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Justification for Traffic Control Signal

Roads

 
 
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:
 
  1. Minimum Vehicle Volumes:  The cumulative delay produced by a large volume of traffic at an unsignalized intersection must exceed a specified threshold.
  2. 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.
  3. Collision Experience:  An unsignalized intersection has an unusually high collision record.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 cost for a signal ranges from $75,000 to more than $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
Traffic Safety Operations Technologists Staff will review the request and undertake the necessary analyses and field studies. If the installation is warranted, then the proposed installation is prioritised
 
 
 
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