Traffic Signals
The majority of Burlington's 202 signalized intersections are controlled from City Hall by a Computerized Traffic Control System, This system provides us with the ability to:
- monitor the traffic signals
- co-ordinate and communicate with the traffic signals
Benefits of a computerized traffic control system include:
- reduction in the number of overall stops
- savings in overall travel time
- savings in fuel consumption
- less vehicle emissions
- reduction of rear end collisions
How it Works
Co-ordination between adjacent traffic signals is maintained based on the POSTED SPEED limit. Many factors can influence co-ordination:
- Volume of traffic
- Direction of the major traffic flow
- Distances between traffic signals
- Equipment malfunctions
Co-ordination for both directions of travel is not always possible. In these cases, the direction carrying the highest traffic volume is co-ordinated.
Different timing plans are used throughout the day to reflect changing traffic patterns and volumes. Morning and evening rush hours traffic signals are timed differently than traffic signals on the same streets at 3 a.m.
The timing plans, based on traffic counts, are generated with the aid of computer optimization programs.
Analysis has been done to estimate yearly fuel savings and estimates show that motorists are saving over $750,000 a year on fuel alone with the signal system in operation.
Traffic signals are a combined effort of the City's Transit and Traffic Department and the Roads and Parks Maintenance Department. The Roads and Parks Maintenance Department is responsible for all maintenance matters related to traffic signals. For more information go to Traffic Signal Maintenance.
Vehicle Detection
On streets with little traffic, vehicle detectors are placed in the road to allow the traffic signal to rest in green on the major street until a vehicle is detected or a pedestrian pushes the push-button. The traffic signals will change at a pre-set time to minimize interruptions and maintain co-ordination on the major street.