Traffic flow and motor vehicle emissions are inextricably linked - improvements in traffic flow ease congestion, and in certain cases can be shown to reduce vehicle emissions. One traffic flow improvement strategy that has shown benefits in reducing vehicle exhaust emissions is traffic signal coordination and synchronization. This is intended to smooth traffic flow along arterial corridors that have multiple trafic signals. By coordinating the traffic signals, traffic flows with fewer overall signal delays. By eliminating vehicle deceleration, idling, and acceleration away from the traffic signal, overall engine emissions are reduced. Traffic signal coordination and synchronization is especially effective along major arterial roadways that are subject to morning and evening commute traffic congestion.
510000.00
The project included the design of the signal coordination and inconnection plan, using the "Synchro" traffic analysis software which is based on the Highway Capacity Manual for signalized intersections. Project implementation included the upgrade of two intersections located in the City of Signal Hill and interconnects with four intersections between the cities of Signal Hill and Long Beach. This required the installation of approximately one-half mile of traffic signal interconnect conduit, cabling, and new equipment hardware to upgrade the existing traffic signals.
The objective of the City of Signal Hill Traffic Signal Coordination Project was to partner with neighboring City of Long Beach to coordinate traffic signals along a major corridor that traverses both jurisdictions. The project limits were along Orange Avenue from Wardlow Road to Spring Street. The intended result of the project was to keep traffic moving in platoons throughout the signal controlled system by setting the traffic signals to provide maximum bandwidth progression. This resulted in a more uniform speed along the corridor, increasing the ability for the system to move traffic while reducing time delays at the intersections.
The project resulted in overall reductions in vehicle emissions for carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxides of nitrogen NOx), and reactive organic gases (ROG). These are quantified in the Emissions Benefits Section, below. In addition, the project resulted in an overall reduction in fuel usage.
This project is complete. "Before" and "After" assessments were conducted to quantify project results, including reductions in traffic delays and reductions in vehicle exhaust emissions.