Introduction to Traffic Signals

Adam Kirk
Identify 1 part of the traffic signal
• Why do we have traffic signals?

• How many traffic signals are in Kentucky

 Terminology
• Indication-The illumination of one or more
signal lenses indicating an allowed or
prohibited movement.
• Interval-A period of time during which all
signal indications remain the same for all
approaches.
 Terminology
• Green Time (G)-The amount of time for which a movement
receives a green indication.

• Yellow Time (Y)-The amount of time for which a movement

receives a Yellow indication. (Change Interval)

• Red Time (R)-The amount of time for which a movement

receives a Red indication.

• All Red Time (AR)- The amount of for which all movements
receive a red indication. (Clearance Interval)
 Terminology
• Phase- The green
time, yellow change,
and red clearance
intervals in a cycle
that are assigned to
an independent
traffic movement or
combination of
traffic movements.
 Terminology
• Phase Diagram
 Terminology
• Cycle -One completed sequence of all phases.

• Cycle Length (C)-The total time for the signal

to complete one cycle.
 Types of Movements
• Protected Movement-A movement that has
the right of way and does not yield to
conflicting movements

• Permitted Movement-A movement that must

yield to opposing traffic flow.
 Types of Movements
• Protected or Permitted Left Turn?
• Protected or Permitted Right Turn?
• Protected or Permitted Through Movement?
 Types of Movements
• Protected or Permitted Left Turn?
 Types of Movements
• Protected or Permitted Left Turn?
 Types of Movements
• Protected or Permitted Left Turn?
 Types of Movements
• Protected or Permitted Left Turn?
 Types of Movements
• Which is safer?

• Which is more efficient?

• Which type of movement should you use?

Ring and Barrier Design
Ring and Barrier Design
 Types of Traffic Signals
• Pre-timed-A signal whose timing (and phasing) is
fixed.

• Actuated-A signal whose timing (and phasing) is

influenced by traffic volumes at the intersections.

• Semi-Actuated-a signal whose timing (and

phasing) is influenced by traffic on some, but not
all, approaches.
 Actuated Signals
• Calls phase when
vehicle is present
 Actuated Signal Timing
• Extends green time to match demand
Actuated Signal Timing
 Types of Vehicle Detection
• Inductive Loop

• Video Detection
Camera
Inductive Loops – How They Work
Inductive Loops – How They Work
When a vehicle enters or
crosses the loop, the
body and frame provide
a conductive path for
the magnetic field. This
produces a loading
effect, which in turn
causes the loop
inductance to decrease.
 Inductive Loops – How They Work

The decreased inductance causes the resonant

frequency to increase from its nominal value. If the
frequency change exceeds the threshold set by the
sensitivity setting, the detector module will output a
detect signal to the controller.
 Vehicle Detection
• Video Detection Camera