The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) operates thousands of traffic signals along state highways in the state of Texas. The operation of these signals is the responsibility of the TxDOT districts in which they are located. This local operation serves Texas motorists well, but it has also resulted in differences in practice across the state. TxDOT research project 0-5629 developed the Traffic Signal Operations Handbook to (1) provide a uniform basis for signal operation throughout the state and (2) identify cost-effective procedures for maintaining safe and efficient signal operation. This report documents the development and conduct of a two-year series of workshops to share information with TxDOT engineers and technicians regarding the cost-effective design and operation of signalized intersections. Information in the Handbook was used as the basis for the workshop. The workshop was one day in length and was offered at six venues in Texas. Workshop topics include basic signal controller timing, coordination timing, signal phasing, rail preemption, detection design, and diamond interchange timing. The workshop participants applied the Handbook guidelines in several examples using a spreadsheet program called the Texas Signal Coordination Optimizer (TSCO).

Bridging the gap between state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice is vital to improving the safety and efficiency of our streets and highways. The goal of this project was to present practitioners with the latest tools and innovations in transportation engineering through interactive adult-learner-oriented workshops. The topics of the workshops focused on traffic operations research projects recently completed at the Texas Transportation Institute. In all, nine workshops were developed and taught 39 times to approximately 700 participants.

The purpose of the Signal Timing Manual is to provide direction and guidance to managers, supervisors, and practitioners based on sound practice to proactively and comprehensively improve signal timing. The outcome of properly training staff and proactively operating and maintaining traffic signals is signal timing that reduces congestion and fuel consumption ultimately improving our quality of life and the air we breathe. This manual provides an easy-to use concise, practical and modular guide on signal timing. The elements of signal timing from policy and funding considerations to timing plan development, assessment, and maintenance are covered in the manual. The manual is the culmination of research into practices across North America and serves as a reference for a range of practitioners, from those involved in the day to day management, operation and maintenance of traffic signals to those that plan, design, operate and maintain these systems.