Justification for Traffic Control Signals
Installation of traffic signals at an existing intersection or at a mid-block location is considered if there are concerns about vehicle delays, congestion or safety. For a signal to be technically justified, at least one of the following justifications must be fulfilled:
- Minimum Vehicle Volumes: The cumulative delay produced by a large volume of traffic at an unsignalized intersection must exceed a specified threshold.
- Delay to Cross Traffic: The traffic volume on the main road is so heavy that traffic on the minor road suffers excessive delay or hazard in entering or crossing the main road.
- Collision Experience: An unsignalized intersection has an unusually high collision record.
- Combination Warrant: A signal may be considered where neither of (1), (2) nor (3) are 100% satisfied, but two or more are satisfied to the extent of 80% or more.
- Safety Warrant: This is an analysis based upon the safety performance of an intersection, compared to other intersections with similar characteristics. The existing safety performance of an unsignalized intersection is determined and compared to a projected safety performance, if traffic signals were installed.
The average cost for the installation of a traffic control signal is approximately $150,000 based on the complexity of the intersection and its operational characteristics (e.g. actuated phases, transit priority, audible pedestrian signals and fire hall pre-emption).
Requests for Traffic Signal Warrant can be directed to the Region's Transportation Services, at:
- 1-877-464-9675 ext. 5200
- 905-830-4444 ext. 5200
Road Safety and Traffic Data Management Staff will review the request and undertake the necessary analyses and field studies. If the installation is warranted, then the proposed installation is prioritized.
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If you need additional information, or have comments and concerns, please submit them by using our online Traffic Contact Form |
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