Citation

Savage W. ITE J. 1985; 55(1): 22-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A case history is presented of the political involvement and ultimate approval of a less than desirable traffic signal, and the evaluation of its installation. A school safety committee, with the support of the local city council and state senator, requested a traffic signal at a particular location which was initially turned down but later granted on further appeal. A semi-actuated traffic signal with pushbutton control, placed on flasher operation between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. and all day on weekends, was installed. Before-and-after evaluations were made of the vehicular volumes, pedestrian volumes, accidents fuel consumption, motorist-delay, and installation and maintenance costs. It was concluded at the end of one year, that pedestrian and vehicular volumes were not appreciably changed and that there was a small increase in accidents. Costs to the public through increased accidents, fuel consumption, delay, and signal installation and maintenance increased by over $100,000 per year.