EECBG Signal Timing / Optimization Project

Project Background

Traffic signal retiming is one of the most cost effective ways an agency can improve the traffic flow in their community. Improved traffic flow allows for a reduction in travel times, traffic delays, number of stops, thereby reducing average fuel consumption and average vehicle emissions.

The City will conserve energy in this manner by completing a traffic signal timing optimization and coordination improvement project involving 45 intersections throughout the City. This project will include prioritizing corridors and individual signals within the system, collecting before and after data, and developing and implementing signal timing optimization plans and corridor synchronization where appropriate. The project will also identify infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades or additions, or operational modifications that could be implemented by the City in the future.

The signal timing optimization project is one of four City projects being funded through the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. More information on the grant program and other three City projects is available on the City's Energy efficiency conservation block grant web page.

Signal Timing Background

What is signal timing (176KB PDF)

Project Schedule

January - March	Data collection / before studies
March - June	Analysis / model development / timing plan optimization
May - October	Field implementation / fine tuning*
June - November	After studies
To be determined	Final report / Council presentation

* New, optimized timing plans will be implemented in stages and coordinated with City and other agency construction projects.

Project tasks

Data Collection/Field Studies
Existing Conditions Assessment/Model Preparation
Signal Timing Plan Optimization
Install Equipment Upgrades (as needed)
Field Implementation/Fine Tuning
Final Report/Presentation to Council

Maps

project map (2MB PDF)

Updates

Previous: Consultant has completed the majority of data collection, except some weekend counts near MOA.
Currently: Consultant is assessing existing conditions/infrastructure/communications to determine which signals to group and coordinate together (coordination zones).
Next Steps: Finalize selection of coordination zones; Create base models in Synchro traffic modeling software of existing conditions.

For more information, contact:
Tom Bowlin, E.I.T.
Civil Engineer - Transportation
1700 W. 98th Street
PH: 952-563-4914, FAX: 952-563-4868
E-mail: tbowlin@ci.bloomington.mn.us