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).

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.

The handbook, in its treatment of signs, pavement markings and signals, presents typical values or ranges of values used for implementing traffic control measures, as well as providing examples of contract plan sheets, specifications and work orders. With respect to signs, consideration is given to materials, equipment, installation, maintenance, vandalism, etc. The section on pavement markings includes materials, methods of application and application operations. Traffic signal design, operation, equipment, and maintenance are discussed, as are various types of signal systems.

This report serves as a comprehensive guide to traffic signal timing and documents the tasks completed in association with its development. The focus of this document is on traffic signal control principles, practices, and procedures. It describes the relationship between traffic signal timing and transportation policy and addresses maintenance and operations of traffic signals. It represents a synthesis of traffic signal timing concepts and their application and focuses on the use of detection, related timing parameters, and resulting effects to users at the intersection. It discusses advanced topics briefly to raise awareness related to their use and application. 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.