Traffic Signal Warrants
Traffic Signal WarrantsGuidelines for Conducting aTraffic Signal Warrant Analysis,2nd EditionRevised Edition based on 2006 Texas MUTCDMarch 2008Product 0-4701-P2
Traffic Signal WarrantsGuidelines for Conducting aTraffic Signal Warrant Analysis2nd EditionProduct Number 0-4701-P2Project Number 0-4701Sponsored by theTexas Department of TransportationResearch Conducted by theTexas Transportation InstituteThe Texas A&M University SystemAuthorH. Gene Hawkins, Jr.TxDOT Project CommitteeProject DirectorMichael A. ChaconProject CoordinatorMargaret A. MooreMarch 2008
DISCLAIMERThe contents of this document reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for thefacts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect theofficial view or policies of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the TexasDepartment of Transportation (TxDOT). The United States Government and the State of Texasdo not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers’ names may appear hereinsolely because they are considered essential to the object of this report. This document does notconstitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The engineer in charge was H. Gene Hawkins,Jr., P.E. #61509.Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage v
TABLE OF CONTENTSPageCHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .1Traffic Signals. 1Traffic Signals and the MUTCD. 2Official FHWA MUTCD Rulings and Interpretations . 2Advantages and Disadvantages of Traffic Signals . 2Alternatives to Traffic Signal Control . 4Traffic Signal Warrants. 5Traffic Signal Warrants. 6Post-Warrant Analysis . 7Removal of Traffic Signals. 8Warrant Analysis Data. 8Order of Warrant Presentation . 9Future Changes to Traffic Signal Warrants . 9CHAPTER 2: DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES .11First Phase – Vehicular Volume Warrants. 11Intersection Limits . 13Speed on the Major Roadway . 13Population of Area Where Intersection Is Located. 14Typical Weekday Hourly Vehicular Approach Volumes . 14Number of Lanes per Approach. 16Second Phase – Crash Warrant . 17Crash History . 17Types of Crashes. 17Third Phase – Signal Operation Warrants . 17Distance between Existing Signals . 18Roadway Characteristics. 18Hourly Volumes for a Typical Non-Business Day . 19Five-Year Projected Hourly Volumes . 19Fourth Phase – Delay Warrant. 19Peak Hour Vehicular Delay on Minor Road. 19Fifth Phase – Pedestrian Related Warrants. 19Distance to Nearest Existing Signal. 20Distance to Nearest Crosswalk . 20Pedestrian Walking Speed . 20Hourly Pedestrian Volume. 21Storage Capacity of Median. 21Size of Adequate Gaps. 21Number of Gaps of Adequate Size . 22School Crossing Plan . 22Presence of School Children. 22CHAPTER 3: WARRANT ANALYSIS GUIDELINES .23First Phase – Vehicular Volume Warrants. 23Data Requirements. 24Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage vii
Warrant Criteria . 24Frequently Asked Questions about the Volume Warrants. 29Second Phase – Crash Experience Warrant . 30Data Requirements. 30Warrant Criteria . 30Frequently Asked Questions about the Crash Experience Warrant. 31Third Phase – Signal Operation Warrants . 32Data Requirements. 32Criteria for Coordinated Signal Systems Warrant . 33Criteria for Roadway Network Warrant . 33Installation Requirements . 34Fourth Phase – Delay Warrant. 34Data Requirements. 34Criteria for Peak Hour Warrant. 34Installation Requirements . 34Fifth Phase – Pedestrian Warrants . 34Data Requirements. 35Pedestrian Warrant Criteria. 35Pedestrian Warrant Signal Installation Requirements . 36School Crossing Warrant Criteria. 37School Crossing Warrant Signal Installation Requirements. 37Pedestrian Related Criteria for the Crash Experience Warrant . 37Pedestrian Portion of Crash Experience Warrant Signal Installation Requirements. 38APPENDIX A – MUTCD BACKGROUND .39National and State Versions of the MUTCD . 39MUTCD as a Legal Document . 39Definition of “Shall,” “Should,” and “May” . 40MUTCD Guidelines and Warrants . 40APPENDIX B – WARRANTS FROM THE TEXAS MUTCD .43Section 4C.02 Warrant 1, Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume. 43Section 4C.03 Warrant 2, Four-Hour Vehicular Volume . 45Section 4C.04 Warrant 3, Peak Hour. 46Section 4C.05 Warrant 4, Pedestrian Volume . 48Section 4C.06 Warrant 5, School Crossing . 49Section 4C.07 Warrant 6, Coordinated Signal System . 50Section 4C.08 Warrant 7, Crash Experience . 50Section 4C.09 Warrant 8, Roadway Network. 51APPENDIX C – EXAMPLES OF WARRANT ANALYSIS.53Analysis Example for Warrants 1A and 1B. 53Analysis Example for Warrant 2. 53Blank Warrant Table. 53APPENDIX D – EXAMPLE OF ADEQUATE GAP FOR SCHOOLCROSSING WARRANT .57Page viiiGuidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd Edition
LIST OF FIGURESFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5.PageWarrant 2, Four-Hour Vehicular Volume (70 Percent Factor) . 26Warrant 3, Peak Hour (70 Percent Factor) . 26Warrant 2, Four-Hour Vehicular Volume . 28Warrant 3, Peak Hour . 28Example of Warrant 2, Four-Hour Vehicular Volume. 55LIST OF TABLESPageTable 1. Texas MUTCD Traffic Signal Warrants . 5Table 2. Changes in Warrants from 1980 to 2006 Texas MUTCD . 6Table 3. Change in Previous MUTCD Edition Regarding Post-Warrant Analysis. 7Table 4. Relative Use of Texas MUTCD Signal Warrants. 10Table 5. Order of Warrant Analysis Process . 10Table 6. Suggested Data Collection Phases. 12Table 7. FHWA Interpretation Warrants for Wide Median Intersections . 13Table 8. FHWA Interpretation on Speed for Reduction of Volume Warrant. 14Table 9. FHWA Interpretation on Average Day. 15Table 10. FHWA Interpretation on Lane Count and Turn Volume. 16Table 11. Types of Crashes Susceptible to Correction by a Traffic Signal. 18Table 12. Definition of a Major Route for Use with Systems Warrant . 18Table 13. Vehicular Volume Based Traffic Signal Warrants . 23Table 14. Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume; Condition A (Table 4C-1 in MUTCD) . 25Table 15. Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume; Condition B (Table 4C-1 in MUTCD) . 25Table 16. Interpretation on Remedial Measures . 29Table 17. Interpretations on the Crash Experience Warrant. 31Table 18. MUTCD Terminology . 40Table 19. Example of Volume Analysis for Warrant 1 . 54Table 20. Blank Form for Volume Analysis for Warrant 1. 56Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage ix
CHAPTER 1:INTRODUCTIONTraffic signals are electronically controlled traffic control devices that control the movementof competing traffic at intersections. The evolution of traffic signals goes back to the early daysof the automobile when a wide variety of lighted devices were used for intersection control. Bythe mid-1930s, the three-indication red-yellow-green traffic signal was established as thenational standard for the appearance of a traffic signal. Since that time, there have been manyimprovements in the use and operation of traffic signals, but the basic concept of a red-yellowgreen signal controlling intersection traffic has remained the same.Traffic signals are one of the most restrictive forms of traffic control that can be used at anintersection. In order to ensure that the use of traffic signals is limited to favorable situations,practitioners have developed a series of traffic signal warrants to define the minimum trafficconditions that should be present before a traffic signal is installed.The application of these traffic signal warrants can be complicated at times. The generalpublic, elected and government officials, and even some practitioners sometimes misunderstandthe signal warrants. This document provides detailed guidelines on how to use the traffic signalwarrants to evaluate the need for installing a traffic signal. It addresses many of the issues thathave typically been left to interpretation and is intended to improve the consistency of thewarranting process.This second edition is an update of the first edition, which was originally published in 1998.Since that time, the federal and state traffic signal warrant guidelines have been substantiallyrevised and reformatted. This edition was prepared to provide practitioners with an up-to-dateguide on how conduct a signal warrant analysis.TRAFFIC SIGNALSThe intersection of two or more roadways provides one of the more significant trafficcontrol challenges for the responsible jurisdiction. Traffic on these intersecting roadways mustshare the same pavement area, requiring that access to this pavement area be alternately assignedto the conflicting traffic movements. This traffic can include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles,pedestrians, mass transit, and emergency vehicles. Vehicular movements can include boththrough and turning movements. Geometric constraints can further complicate intersection trafficcontrol. Various control methods can be used, including no control, yield control, stop control,and signal control, listed in order from the least to the most restrictive. There are multiple levelsof complexity for some of these methods.Because traffic signals are the most restrictive form of intersection traffic control, they havea profound influence on traffic, and their use should be limited to situations where they will bemore effective than the other types of intersection traffic control. To promote appropriate anduniform installation, design, and operation of signals, practitioners have developed a series ofguidelines and warrants.Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage 1
Traffic Signals and the MUTCDThe Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the guiding document for theselection, design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all types of traffic control devices,including traffic signals. The purpose of the MUTCD is to provide uniformity in traffic controldevices across the United States. As such, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) isresponsible for the national MUTCD. The current national MUTCD was adopted in 20031. Theinformation in the current MUTCD is significantly reorganized from editions prior to 2000, andmuch of it was rewritten as well. States have the option of adopting the national MUTCD ordeveloping a state MUTCD or state supplement that is in substantial compliance with thenational MUTCD. In Texas, the Texas MUTCD establishes minimum criteria for the use oftraffic control devices. The 2006 Texas MUTCD2 is the current version of the state MUTCD andit is based on the 2003 national MUTCD. The 2006 Texas MUTCD is the document thatestablishes the legal requirements and guiding principles for traffic control devices used on allpublic roads in Texas. The guidelines in this document are based on the content of the 2006Texas MUTCD. The warrants in the national and Texas MUTCDs are identical except for twoadditional criteria that are added to the Roadway Network Warrant (Warrant 8) in the TexasMUTCD.The MUTCD is one of the key documents in the traffic engineering field. It is also acomplex document. An understanding of the role of the MUTCD is an essential element of usingthe document to make decisions about traffic control devices. Even though the MUTCD providesguidelines and warrants for traffic signals and other traffic control devices, the application ofthese guidelines and warrants should be exercised by a competent traffic engineer and only aftera thorough study of the critical factors. Appendix A provides additional background informationabout the role of the MUTCD. Part 4 of the MUTCD establishes minimum criteria for theinstallation of traffic signals and for many elements of traffic signal design and operation.MUTCD Chapter 4C describes the warrants for traffic signal installation. Appendix B presentsthe eight warrants from the 2006 Texas MUTCD.Official FHWA MUTCD Rulings and InterpretationsIn its role of maintaining the MUTCD, the FHWA is responsible for responding to questionsand requests regarding the MUTCD as described in Section 1A.10 of the 2003 National MUTCD.FHWA has been fulfilling this responsibility since the early 1970s, and there have beennumerous previous interpretations related to traffic signal warrants. This document presentsthose interpretations where they are pertinent to a particular aspect of the warranting process.When presented, these interpretations are shown as tables and include the FHWA numberassigned to the request.Advantages and Disadvantages of Traffic SignalsThe public often views traffic signals as a cure-all for traffic problems at intersections. As aresult, traffic signals have often been installed at intersections where less restrictive traffic12Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C., 2003.Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, Texas, 2006.Page 2Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd Edition
control would have been more appropriate and effective. Traffic signal warrants have beendeveloped to establish minimum criteria for evaluating the need for a traffic signal at a specificintersection. These warrants do not define the need for a traffic signal, but merely indicate wherefurther study of a traffic signal installation is justified. When properly justified and installed,traffic signals can have many positive benefits. However, traffic signals also have negativeimpacts, particularly if the signal is improperly justified or installed.When the installation of a traffic signal is properly justified, and the design, operation, andmaintenance are in accordance with current principles, the signal can have many positivebenefits on the efficiency and safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the intersection. Theadvantages to a properly justified and installed traffic signal may include one or more of thefollowing: It can provide for the orderly movement of traffic.It can increase the traffic-handling capacity of the intersection if proper physical layoutsand control measures are used and the signal operational parameters are reviewed andupdated on a regular basis to maximize the ability of the traffic control signal to satisfycurrent traffic demands.It can reduce the frequency of certain types of crashes, especially right-angle collisions.By coordinating the signal with adjacent signals, it can provide for continuous or nearlycontinuous movement of traffic at a definite speed along a given route under favorableconditions.It can be used to interrupt heavy traffic on the major street to permit vehicular andpedestrian traffic on the minor street to cross.Even when properly justified and installed, a traffic signal can have a detrimental impact oncertain aspects of traffic flow at an intersection. If a signal is properly justified and installed, theresulting advantages offset associated disadvantages.However, additional disadvantages may result if a traffic signal is not properly justified or ifthe traffic signal is ill-designed, ineffectively placed, improperly operated, or poorly maintained.The disadvantages that may be associated with an improperly justified, installed, operated, ormaintained traffic signal include: It can increase delay for all traffic movements.It can lead to an increase in traffic violations at the intersection.It can increase the frequency of traffic crashes at the intersection (primarily rear-endcrashes).It can cause road users to increase the use of alternative routes to avoid the signal.Often, these alternative routes travel through neighborhoods or other less adequateroads.Traffic crashes are included in both the advantages and disadvantages of traffic signals. Thisis because a properly installed traffic signal often results in an increase in certain types of crashes,most notably rear-end collisions. However, the crashes that typically result from signalGuidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage 3
installation are typically less severe than the crashes that would occur if the signal was notinstalled.Once installed, traffic signal operation should be periodically reviewed to determine whetherthe physical characteristics of the signal and the intersection, the type of control, and the signaltiming meet the current needs of the traffic at the intersection.Alternatives to Traffic Signal ControlAs described previously, the installation of a traffic signal can have a detrimental effect onthe operations and/or safety at an intersection. Before a traffic signal is installed, considerationshould be given to less restrictive forms of assigning right-of-way at an intersection which mayhave less severe impacts on the intersection. The objective is to utilize the least restrictive formof traffic control that produces safe and efficient vehicle and pedestrian operation. These otherforms of right-of-way control should be considered even if the intersection meets one or more ofthe traffic signal warrants. There are several different methods of controlling right-of-way at aroadway intersection. Each method places a different level of restriction on traffic flow at theintersection. The various options available for intersection right-of-way control are listed belowin order from the least restrictive to the most restrictive. No control (right-of-way assignment established by statute).Yield control with Yield sign (see Texas MUTCD Section 2B.09 for Yield signapplications).Manual traffic control by a police officer or other official.Two-way stop control with Stop sign only (see Texas MUTCD Section 2B.05 for Stopsign applications).Two-way stop control with Stop sign and stop sign beacon (see Texas MUTCD Section4K.05 for stop sign beacon).Two-way stop control with Stop sign and red/yellow intersection beacon (see TexasMUTCD Section 4K.02 for intersection control beacon).Multiway stop control with Stop sign only (see Texas MUTCD Section 2B.07 forMultiway Stop sign applications).Multiway stop control with Stop sign and stop sign beacon (see Texas MUTCD Section4K.05 for stop sign beacon).Multiway stop control with Stop sign and red/red intersection beacon (see TexasMUTCD Section 4K.02 for intersection control beacon).Traffic signal.Other less restrictive uses of traffic control device treatments should also be consideredbefore installing a traffic signal. Examples of these types of alternative intersection treatmentsinclude: Page 4Installing warning signs in advance of the intersection (examples include Cross Road,Stop Sign Ahead, Yield Sign Ahead, and Pedestrian Crossing).Increasing the size of regulatory and/or warning signs on the intersection approach.Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd Edition
Installing warning beacons on warning signs in advance of the intersection (see TexasMUTCD Section 4K.03 for warning beacon).Relocating the stop line(s) and/or making other changes (such as trimming vegetation)to improve the sight distance at the intersection.Installing edge and channelizing lines along the major roadway approaches to narrowthe lane width, which will encourage reduced approach speeds.Increasing enforcement of existing traffic control measures.Adding one or more lanes on a roadway approach to reduce the number of vehicles perlane on the approach.Revising the geometrics at the intersection to channel vehicle movements and reducethe time required for a vehicle to complete a movement, which could also assistpedestrians.Installing roadway lighting if a disproportionate number of crashes occur at night.Restricting one or more turning movements (perhaps on a time-of-day basis) if alternateroutes are available.Installing measures designed to reduce speeds on the approaches.Installing flashing beacons on Stop signs or warning signs.Converting the intersection to a roundabout.Employing other alternatives, depending on conditions at the intersection.TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANTSThe traffic signal warrants contained in Chapter 4C of the Texas MUTCD establishminimum criteria for further evaluation of traffic signal installation. The current Texas MUTCDcontains eight traffic signal warrants, as listed in Table 1. These warrants address a variety ofintersection conditions such as vehicular volume, pedestrian volume, crashes, progression, anddelay. The specifics associated with these warrants are described in detail in the warrant analysisguidelines chapter (see page 23). The MUTCD warrants have evolved into their present stateover a period of many years and represent the experiences of many traffic signal installations.Table 1. Texas MUTCD Traffic Signal WarrantsWarrant Number and TitleBasis for Analysis1 Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume Eight-hour vehicular volumes2 Four-Hour Vehicular VolumeFour-hour vehicular volumes3 Peak HourVehicular volume and delay on minor street4 Pedestrian VolumePedestrian volumes and gaps5 School CrossingNumber of school children and gaps6 Coordinated Signal SystemVehicular volumes and road classification7 Crash ExperienceCrashes and Warrants 1 or 48 Roadway NetworkProjected volumes and Warrants 1, 2, or 3Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd EditionPage 5
These warrants represent several changes in formatting from the warrants that were in the1980 Texas MUTCD (which served as the basis for the first edition of this document). The 1980Texas MUTCD contained 12 signal warrants. Some of these warrants were combined (forexample, Warrants 1, 2, and 8 from 1980 are
Mar 09, 1987 · Blank Form for Volume Analysis for Warrant 1. 56 . Guidelines for Conducting a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis, 2nd Edition Page 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Traffic signals are electronically controlled traffic control devices that control the movement of competing traffic at intersectio
K.04 Traffic Signals K.04.1 Legal Authority K.04.2 Traffic Signal Timing and Operations K.04.3 Traffic Signal Records K.04.4 Maintenance of Traffic Signals K.04.5 Maintenance of Traffic Signal Controller Unit Model 170 and 2070 K.04.6 Pedestrian Signal Indications K.04.7 Arrow Indications K.04.8 Relamping K.04.9 Traffic Signal Monitors
the destination. The traffic light system designed by Salim Bin Islam provided a design and development of a microcontroller based intelligent traffic control system. He proposed a new intelligent traffic control system that is to control the traffic system through traffic signal on the basis of current traffic density.
Traffic-Roadway Section Traffic Signal Design Manual – Detector Plan January 2021 Page 6-2 6 Detector Plan This chapter will discuss all the design elements that are needed for detection system, in order of the recommended process for designing a new traffic signal. Design of the detection system typically begins after the signal design.
SCATS (Sydney Co-ordinate adaptive traffic system) form some of the best pre-determined off-line timing methods to account for traffic congestion. The Adaptive Signal-Vehicle Co-operative control system [3] provides an optimal traffic signal schedule as well as an optimal vehicle speed advice. The traffic signal scheduling is
CO Colorado Department of Corrections Warrants Fugitives CO Denver County Court CO Denver Warrants CO Eagle County Warrants CO El Paso Arrest CO Innovative Criminal Extraction (I.C.E.) CO Jefferson Arrest CO Larimer County Warrants CO Mesa Arrest CO Pitkin County Booking CO Pueblo Arrest C
In this Master Course, you'll see what warrants are how they're unique and powerful profit tools and - most importantly - how to buy and sell them with your existing brokerage account. First thing, why warrants? Simple: Because warrants are truly a tool for transformative wealth. Time and time again, we've
(3) The end for general search warrants under English common law: Entick v Carrington (1765) 10 (4) United States Constitution: Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable search and seizures 11 (5) Evolution of search warrants in English and Irish law to the 20th century 11
ASTM STANDARDS IN BUILDING CODES SPECIFICATIONS, TEST METHODS, PRACTICES, CLASSIFICATIONS, TERMINOLOGY VOLUME 1 2007 Forty-fourth Edition ASTM Stock Number: BLDG07 ASTM INTERNATIONAL n 100 BARR HARBOR DRIVE, PO BOX C700, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428-2959 TEL: 610-832-9500 n FAX: 610-832-9555 n EMAIL: service@astm.org n WEBSITE: www.astm.org. Editorial Staff Director: Vernice A. Mayer Editors .
