Trafic Signals

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12OntarioTrafficManual

Traffic Signals

July 2001


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iOntario Traff ic Manual - July, 2001

Book 12 - Traffic Signals

Foreword

The purpose of the Ontario Traffic M anual (OTM) is to

provide information and guidance for t ransportationpractitioners and to promo te uniformity of treatment

in the design, application and operation of traffic cont rol

devices and systems across Ontario. The object ive is

safe driving behaviour, achieved by a predictable

roadway environment through the consistent ,

appropriate application of traffic control devices. Further

purposes of the OTM are to p rovide a set of g uidelines

consistent w ith th e intent of the Highw ay Traffic Act

and to p rovide a basis for road authorit ies to generate

or update their ow n gu idelines and standards.

The OTM is made up o f a numb er of Books, w hich are

being generated over a period of time, and for wh ich aprocess of continuous updating is planned . Through

the upd ating process, it is proposed that the OTM w ill

becom e m ore com prehensive and representative by

including many traffic control devices and applications

specific to municipal use. Some of the Books of the

OTM are new, while others incorporate updated

material from the Ontario M anual of Uniform Traffic

Control Devices (MUTCD) and the King’s Highway

Guide Signing Policy M anual (KHGSPM).

The Ontario Traffic Manual is directed to its primary

users, traffic practitioners. The OTM incorporates current

best practices in the Province of Ontario. The

interpretations, recomm endations and guidelines in the

Ontario Traffic Manual are intended to provide an

Ontario TrafficManual

understanding of traffic op erations and they cover a

broad range of traffic situations encountered in practice.They are based on many factors wh ich m ay determine

the specific design and op erational effectiveness of

traffic cont rol systems. However, no manual can cover

all contingenc ies or all cases encountered in the field.

Therefore, f ield exper ience and knowledge of

application are essential in deciding w hat to d o in the

absence of specific direction from t he M anual itself

and in overriding any recomm endations in this M anual.

The traffic practit ioner’s fundam ental responsibility is

to exercise engineering judgem ent and experience on

technical matters in the best interests of the public

and workers. Guidelines are provided in the OTM toassist in making those judgem ents, but they should

not be used as a substitute for judgem ent.

Design, application and operational guidelines and

procedures should be used w ith judicious care and

proper consideration of the prevailing circum stances.

In some designs, applications, or operational features,

the traffic practitioner’s judgement is to meet or exceed

a guideline while in others a guideline might not b e

met for sound reasons, such as space availability, yet

still produce a design or operation which may be

judg ed to be safe. Every ef fort should be made to

stay as close to the gu idelines as possible in situations

like these, and to document reasons for departures

from them .


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Book 12 - Traf fic Signals

Custodial Office

Inquiries about amendments, suggestions or comments

regarding the Ontario Traffic Manual may be directed

to:

Traffic Office

M inistry of Transportation, Ontario

301 St. Paul Street, 2 nd Floor

St. Catharines, Ontario

L2R 7R4

Telephone: (905 ) 704 -2960

Fax: (9 05 ) 70 4 -2888

E-mail: o tm@mto .gov.on.ca

Acknowledgements

The product ion of th is Ontario Traffic M anual Book12(Traffic Signals) was m ade possible as a result of t he

generous contributions of several individuals and

organizat ions. I t is important to recognize the

contributions of the follow ing individuals:

Authors

Gene Smallwood, McCormick Rankin Corporation

Stephen Schijns, McCormick Rankin Corporation

Mario Tedesco, McCormick Rankin Corporation

Mick Oliviera, McCormick Rankin Corporation

Technical Advisory Commit tee Members

Sai Bagha, Ministry of Transportation, Ontario

Paul Batchelor, Tow n o f Oakville and Internat ional

Municipal Signal Association representative

Andrew Beal, Ministry of Transportation, Ontario

Jim Bell, Regional M unicipality of Ottawa-Carleton and

M unicipal Engineers Association

representative

Bill Brown, County of Simcoe

Peter Crockett, Regional Municipality of Peel and

Ontario Traffic Conference representative

Roger De Gannes, M inistry of Transport ation, Ontario

Kari Fellows, Toronto Transporation

Mike Flanigan, City of Mississauga

Ray Hortn ess, Regional Mun icipality of Sudbury

Norm Kelly, Ministr y of Transportatio n, Ontario

Steve Schijns, McCorm ick Rankin Corporation

Gene Smallwo od, M cCormick Rankin Corporation

Hart Solomon, City of Hamilton

Mario Tedesco, McCormick Rankin Corporation

Bruce Zvanig a, Toronto Transpor tation


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1. GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Sect ions of This Book ....................................................................................................................................1

1.3 Use of This Book ............................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Classificat ion .......................................................................................................................................................2

1.5 Functions of Traffic Control Signals.......................................................................................................3

1.6 Signal Indicat ions ............................................................................................................................................. 3General .....................................................................................................................................................................3

Cont inui ty Of Operat ion .....................................................................................................................................3

Recommended Pract ice For Standardized Displays ..................................................................................4

2. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Approval of Signal Designs ......................................................................................................................... 5

HTA Statute 144 (31 ) - Approvals ..................................................................................................................5

2.3 Regulat ion 626 ...................................................................................................................................................7

HTA Regulat ion 6 26 Sub-section 1. (1) - M inim um Signal Head Requirements ...........................7

HTA Regu lation 626 Sub-section 1. (2) - Vert ical Order of Signal Indicat ions ..............................8

HTA Regulatio n 626 Sub-section 1. (3 ) - Use of Circular Signal Indic ations .............................. 10HTA Regu lat ion 626 Sub-section 1 . (4 ) - Two Sign al Head s Required .......................................... 10

HTA Regulation 626 Sub-section 1. (4.1 ) - Intersect ion Pedestrian Signals ..................................11

HTA Regu lat ion 626 Sub-section 1 . (5 ) - Heigh t of Signal Head s .................................................. 12

HTA Regu lat ion 626 Sub-section 1 . (6 ) - Ramp M eter ing Signals .................................................. 13

HTA Regulation 626 Sub-section 1. (7 ) - Don’t W alk Signals .......................................................... 13

HTA Regulation 626 Sub -sect ion 1. (8 ) - Walk Signals ...................................................................... 14

HTA Regulat ion 626 Sub-sectio n 1. (9) - Mount ing of Pedestrian Signals ................................... 15

HTA Regulat ion 626 Sub-sectio n 1 . (10 ) - Signals Not A t Intersect ions ...................................... 16

HTA Regulation 626 Sub-section 1 . (11 ) - Am ber Left Turn Arrow s ............................................... 16

3. OPERATIONAL PRACTICE ......................................................................................................................................... 18

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

General .................................................................................................................................................................. 18Stand ard izat ion .................................................................................................................................................. 18

Sig nal Operation s Report ............................................................................................................................... 18

3.2 Controller Operat ion .................................................................................................................................... 19

3.3 Determination of Intersection Operation ..........................................................................................20

Table of Contents


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3.4 Select ion of Mode of Control .................................................................................................................. 21General .................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Pre-tim ed or Fixed Mode ................................................................................................................................. 21

Actuated Mode ...................................................................................................................................................22

Sem i-actuated Mode ........................................................................................................................................22

Ful ly-actuated Mod e ......................................................................................................................................... 23

System Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 23

General ................................................................................................................................................. 23

Coordinat ion ...................................................................................................................................... 24

M od es for Isolated Operat ion ........................................................................................................................ 25

3.5 Phase Determinat ion .................................................................................................................................. 25

General .................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Standard Movements ........................................................................................................................................ 26

General ................................................................................................................................................. 26Traf fic M ovements for Type 170 Cont rol lers ............................................................................26

Traf fic M ovement s for NEMA Type Control lers ....................................................................... 27

Interval Sequence .............................................................................................................................................. 27

Phase Diagram s ................................................................................................................................................. 27

Two Phase Op erat ion ....................................................................................................................................... 28

Three Phase Phase Operation ........................................................................................................................ 28

Mul tiple Phase Operat ion ............................................................................................................................... 28

Pedestrian Phases .............................................................................................................................................. 29

General ................................................................................................................................................. 29

Exclusive Pedestrian Phases .......................................................................................................... 31

Pedest rian Signal Operation .......................................................................................................... 31

Left Turn Phase Justif icat ion .......................................................................................................................... 31General ................................................................................................................................................. 32

Ap proximation ................................................................................................................................... 32

Method s of Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 32

Determ ination of th e Type of Lef t Turn Phase ......................................................................................... 34

General .................................................................................................................................................34

Types of Left-Turn Phasing ............................................................................................................35

3.6 Timing ................................................................................................................................................................ 43

General ................................................................................................................................................................ 43

M in im um Inter val Tim in g ............................................................................................................................... 43

Calc ulat ion of Clearan ce Interval Tim ing .................................................................................................. 43

General ................................................................................................................................................. 43

Am ber and All-Red Clearance Intervals ....................................................................................44

Clearan ce fo r Left Turn Signals ....................................................................................................44Level of Ser vice ..................................................................................................................................................44

General .................................................................................................................................................44

LOS Based on Delay ........................................................................................................................46

LOS Based on Probabilit y of Clearing th e Arrivals ................................................................46


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LOS Based on Volum e/ Capacity (V/ C) Ratio ......................................................................... 46Determ ination of Green Interval Tim ing ....................................................................................................4 6

General .................................................................................................................................................46

Minist ry of Transp or tation M ethodolog y ..................................................................................46

Canadian Capacity Guid e M ethodo logy ................................................................................... 47

High way Capacity M anual M ethodo logy .................................................................................4 8

Calculat ion of Green Extension Tim e ........................................................................................4 8

Determ inat ion of Delays On Actuation ......................................................................................................4 8

Calculat ion Of Pedestr ian Tim ing ................................................................................................................4 8

General .................................................................................................................................................4 8

Method A (TCSTCA23 ) .....................................................................................................................49

M ethod B (CCG 1 ) .............................................................................................................................49

Method C (Metro Toronto 17 ) ..........................................................................................................50

Pedestr ian Actuation ........................................................................................................................50Determ ination of Cycle Lengt h ..................................................................................................................... 50

Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................51

Cycle Composit ion ............................................................................................................................51

3.7 Signal Spacing ................................................................................................................................................. 51

Existing Intersec tion Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 52

New Signalized Intersection s ......................................................................................................................... 52

3.8 Flashing Operat ion ........................................................................................................................................53

Advanced Green Flashing Operat ion ......................................................................................................... 53

Standardized Flashing Operation .................................................................................................................53

3.9 Preemption ........................................................................................................................................................54

General ................................................................................................................................................................54

Preemption For Railway Crossings ..............................................................................................................54Preem pt ion For Emergency Vehicles .......................................................................................................... 55

3.10 Operation Of Miscellaneous Signals....................................................................................................56

Pedestr ian Signals .............................................................................................................................................56

Tran sit Priori ty Signals ...................................................................................................................................... 56

M oveable Span Bridg e Traff ic Control Signals ......................................................................................... 56

Lane Direc tion Signals ..................................................................................................................................... 57

Portable Lane Control Signal Systems ........................................................................................................ 57

Audib le Indications ........................................................................................................................................... 57

Tun nel Sig nals ....................................................................................................................................................58

Ramp Metering Signals ...................................................................................................................................58

3.11 Flashing Beacon Signals ............................................................................................................................ 58

General ................................................................................................................................................................58

Hazard Identi fication Beacons .......................................................................................................................59Beacons in Advance of A Signalized In tersec tion .................................................................................. 59

Intersection Control Beacons .........................................................................................................................59

General .................................................................................................................................................59

1 -Way or 2 -Way Overhead Red Flashing Beacons................................................................59


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3 -Way and 4 -Way Overh ead Red Flash ing Beacons ............................................................593 -Way and 4 -Way Overhead Red/ Am ber Flashing Beacons ............................................. 60

Red Beacon For Stop Sign Reinforcem ent ...............................................................................60

Warning Beacons at Signalized Intersections ...........................................................................................60

Cont inuous Advance W arn ing Beaco ns fo r Traf fic Signals ............................................... 60

Active Advance Warning Beacons fo r Traff ic Signals ......................................................... 60

3 .12 Systems .............................................................................................................................................................. 61

Need For A System ........................................................................................................................................... 61

Types Of Systems .............................................................................................................................................. 62

General ................................................................................................................................................. 62

Arterial Interconnected System .................................................................................................... 62

Grid Interconn ected System .......................................................................................................... 63

Small Central System ......................................................................................................................63

Larg e Central System .......................................................................................................................63Traf fic Ad ap tive System ...............................................................................................................63

4. PLANNING AND JUSTIFICATION ..........................................................................................................................64

4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................64

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................64

Background / Context .........................................................................................................................................64

Current Update ...................................................................................................................................................64

4.2 Information Requirements ........................................................................................................................66

Basic Input Data ................................................................................................................................................ 66

Sup plementary Inp ut Dat a ............................................................................................................................. 66

Vehic le Delay ...................................................................................................................................... 66Gaps (Unsignalized Intersec tions Only) ..................................................................................... 66

Site Condit ions ..................................................................................................................................66

Future Demand ..................................................................................................................................66

4.3 Principles of Justi ficat ion .......................................................................................................................... 67

General ................................................................................................................................................................ 67

Guidelines and Exceptions ............................................................................................................................. 67

Definit ions ............................................................................................................................................................ 67

4.4 Justification 1 - Minimum Vehicle Volume ...................................................................................... 69

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................69

Standard ...............................................................................................................................................................69

Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 70

4.5 Justification 2 - Delay To Cross Traffic .............................................................................................. 70

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 70Standard ............................................................................................................................................................... 70

Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 71

4.6 Justification 3 - Collision Experience .................................................................................................. 72

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 72


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Standard ............................................................................................................................................................... 72Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 72

4.7 Justification 4 - Combination Justification ...................................................................................... 73

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 73

Standard ............................................................................................................................................................... 74

Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 74

4.8 Justification 5 - Pedestrian Volume and Delay ............................................................................... 74

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 74

Standard ............................................................................................................................................................... 75

Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 76

4.9 Signal Justifications For Future Conditions ..................................................................................... 78

4.10 Signal Installation Prioritization .............................................................................................................. 79

4.11 Summary of Signal Justification ...........................................................................................................8 0

4.12 Justification for Temporary Traffic Control Signals .................................................................... 814.13 Justification for Bicycle Signals ............................................................................................................. 81

4.14 Removal of Existing Signals ..................................................................................................................... 81

5. DESIGN PRACTICE ........................................................................................................................................................ 82

5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................82

Use Of This Section ..........................................................................................................................................82

5.2 Practical Requirements ...............................................................................................................................82

5.3 Safety Considerations .................................................................................................................................82

5.4 Future Considerations .................................................................................................................................83

5.5 Signal Visibilit y ................................................................................................................................................ 83

General ................................................................................................................................................................83Signal Head Locat ions ..................................................................................................................................... 84

View ing Angles ..................................................................................................................................................85

Lateral Signal Head Location s .......................................................................................................................85

Median M ounted Signal Heads..................................................................................................................... 86

Visib il it y Dist ance ..............................................................................................................................................86

Backboards .......................................................................................................................................................... 86

Mount ing Height ................................................................................................................................................ 87

Obstruc tion By Other Signal Heads ............................................................................................................ 87

Auxil iar y Signal Heads And Beacons ......................................................................................................... 88

General .................................................................................................................................................88

Auxiliary Heads at Bridg e Obstruc tion s ....................................................................................88

Auxil iar y Heads at Geom etric Curve Obstruct ions ................................................................88

Obstruc tions Due to Large Vehicles ...........................................................................................89Optical ly Programmable Signal Heads .......................................................................................................9 0

5.6 Pole And Signal Head Locations............................................................................................................9 0

Primary Signal Head Location s.....................................................................................................................9 0

General .................................................................................................................................................9 0


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With M edian Island s........................................................................................................................ 92Without Med ian Islands .................................................................................................................92

Secondary Signal Head And Pole Locat ions ............................................................................................ 92

General ................................................................................................................................................. 92

With M edian Island s........................................................................................................................ 92

Without Med ian Islands .................................................................................................................92

5.7 Pedestrian Signal Heads............................................................................................................................. 93

Pedestrian Ind ications ...................................................................................................................................... 93

Guidelines For Pedestrian Signal Head Installation ................................................................................93

Guid elines For Pedestrian Pushbu ttons ..................................................................................................... 94

M ount ing Height And Location ....................................................................................................................9 4

5.8 Miscellaneous Traffic Control Signals ................................................................................................ 94

Intersection Pedestrian Signals ......................................................................................................................94

Mid -block Pedest rian Signals .........................................................................................................................95Lane Direc tion Signals ..................................................................................................................................... 95

Ramp Metering Signals ...................................................................................................................................96

Sig nals Near Railw ay Crossing s .................................................................................................................... 96

Tran sit Priori ty Signals ...................................................................................................................................... 96

Moveable Span Bridge Signals ..................................................................................................................... 97

Por table Lan e Cont rol Signals ....................................................................................................................... 97

Signals W ith Audible Ind ications ................................................................................................................. 97

Tun nel Sig nals .................................................................................................................................................... 97

Bicycle Control Sig nals .................................................................................................................................... 97

5.9 Detection ............................................................................................................................................................98

General ................................................................................................................................................................98

Presence Loop Detectors .................................................................................................................................98Long Distance Loop Detectors ......................................................................................................................99

5.10 Layout Design ............................................................................................................................................... 10 0

General ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 0

Crossw alks And Sid ew alks .........................................................................................................................10 0

General .............................................................................................................................................. 10 0

Design of Crossw alks and Sidew alks ......................................................................................101

5.11 Ut ilit ies ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 4

General ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 4

Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 4

5.12 Layout Practice ............................................................................................................................................. 10 5

General ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 5

Guidelines By Exam ple ................................................................................................................................. 10 5

“T” Intersection App roach ............................................................................................................................ 10 6Ap proach W ith out Median Island (Normal Or Advanced Green) ...................................................10 6

Ap proach W ithout M edian Island (Fully Protec ted Left Turns) ........................................................107

App roach With M edian Island (Normal, Advanced Green Or Simu ltaneous

Protected / Perm issive Lef ts) .........................................................................................................................1 07


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Ap proach W ith M edian Island (Fully Protec ted Left Turns) .............................................................. 10 8Ap proach W ith W ide M edian (Fully Protec ted Left Turns) ............................................................... 10 9

Ap proach W ith D ouble Lef t Lane (Fully Protected Left Turns) ........................................................ 10 9

Ram p Terminal ..................................................................................................................................................111

Shor t Of fset Intersec tion ................................................................................................................................111

Long Of fset Intersec tion ................................................................................................................................ 112

Layou t Of Pedestrian Heads An d Poles .................................................................................................... 114

General ............................................................................................................................................... 114

Poles W ith Pushbut tons ............................................................................................................... 114

Poles With Pedest rian Heads ...................................................................................................... 115

5.13 Controller Locations ................................................................................................................................... 115

Coordination ..................................................................................................................................................... 115

Physical Requirem ents ................................................................................................................................... 116

5.14 Design Example ............................................................................................................................................ 117General .............................................................................................................................................................. 117

Preparation Of Base Plan .............................................................................................................................. 117

Layout Of Crossw alks And Sidew alks ...................................................................................................... 118

Pole Location s .................................................................................................................................................. 118

Pre-set Head and Pole Location s ................................................................................................................ 119

Layout Of Prim ary A nd Secondary Heads .............................................................................................. 119

Layout Of Pedest rian Facilit ies .................................................................................................................... 119

Checkin g Layout .............................................................................................................................................. 119

Contro ller And Power Supply Locations ..................................................................................................120

Detector Layout ................................................................................................................................................ 121

Duc t And W iring System s ............................................................................................................................12 2

Coordinat ion Of Lig ht ing Design ...............................................................................................................12 2

6. MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................................................................ 127

6.1 General .............................................................................................................................................................. 127

6.2 Standard Equipment ..................................................................................................................................127

6.3 Other Considerat ions .................................................................................................................................127

Struc tu ral Considerat ions ............................................................................................................................. 127

Elec tr ical Considerations ............................................................................................................................... 127

Aesthetic Considerations .............................................................................................................................. 128

6.4 Lamps, Lenses & Visors ........................................................................................................................... 129

Lamps ..............................................................................................................................................................129

Lenses ..............................................................................................................................................................129

Visors ..............................................................................................................................................................129


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TABLESTable 1 - Relat ive Vertical Posi tion s of Signal Indicat ions ........................................................................................................8

Table 2 - Control ler Operat ions Types for Isolated Operat ion .............................................................................................. 26

Table 3 - Capacity Factor for Oppo sing Lan es ......................................................................................................................... 32

Tab le 4 - M in im um Tim ing Inter vals ............................................................................................................................................ 43

Table 5 - Amber Clearan ce Interval Tim es ................................................................................................................................. 45

Tab le 6 - All -Red Clearan ce Interval Times ................................................................................................................................ 45

Tab le 7 - LOS Based o n D elay ........................................................................................................................................................ 46

Tab le 8 - LOS Based on Clearing Arrivals ...................................................................................................................................46

Tab le 9 - LOS Based on Volume/ Cap ac it y .................................................................................................................................46

Table 10 - Informat ion to be Collected .......................................................................................................................................65

Tab le 11 - Basic Input Data .............................................................................................................................................................. 67

Table 12 - Justifi cation 1 - M inim um Vehicle Volum e for Restric ted Flow (Urban ) Conditions .............................. 70

Table 13 - Justification 1 - Minimum Vehicle Volum e for Free Flow (Rural) Cond itio ns ........................................... 71

Table 14 - Justification 2 - Delay To Cross Traffic for Restricted Flow (Urban ) Condit ions ..................................... 72

Table 15 - Justi fication 2 - Delay To Cross Traf fic For Free Flow (Rural) Cond it ions .................................................. 73

Table 16 - Justi fication 3 - Collision Experienc e ..................................................................................................................... 74

Table 17 - Just if ication 4 - Com bination Justi fication ........................................................................................................... 74

Table 18 - Pedestr ian Volume Data Sum mary .......................................................................................................................... 75

Table 19 - Pedest rian Delay Data Summary ............................................................................................................................... 75

Table 20 - Pedest rian Volume Justi fication 5 A ........................................................................................................................ 76

Table 21 - Pedest rian Delay Justi fication 5 B ............................................................................................................................. 76

Table 22 - Sum mary of Signal Justi fication ..............................................................................................................................8 0

Table 23 - Signal Installat ion Prio ritizat ion .................................................................................................................................8 0

Tab le 24 - Sig nal Visibil it y Distances ...........................................................................................................................................85

Table 25 - Typical Use of Signal Head s and Backboards ...................................................................................................... 86

Table 26 - Distanc es from Stop Line for Long D istance Loop s ........................................................................................10 0

Table 27 - Com mon ly Used Lam ps for Traff ic Signals ........................................................................................................129


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FIGURESFig ure 1 - Traffic Control Signal Heads...........................................................................................................................................9

Fig ure 2 - Type 170 Fazes ...............................................................................................................................................................27

Figure 3 - NEMA Movements ......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Figure 4 - Mult i-Phase Diagram s W ith Protec ted Operation on Both Roads ................................................................... 29

Fig ure 5 - 2-Phase Diagram ............................................................................................................................................................30

Figure 6 - Three Phase Diagram s ..................................................................................................................................................30

Figure 7 - Protec ted/ Perm issive Intervals ....................................................................................................................................35

Figure 8 - Protected/ Permissive Sim ultaneous Left Turn Operation .................................................................................. 36

Figure 9 - Fully Protec ted Lef t Turn Operation ..........................................................................................................................39

Figure 10 - Extended Green Int ervals ...........................................................................................................................................40

Fig ure 11 - Sep arate (Exclusive) Phasing .....................................................................................................................................41

Figure 12 - Pedestr ian Just if ication Based o n Pedestr ian Volum es .................................................................................... 78Figure 13 - Pedestr ian Justi fic ation Based on Pedestrian Delay .......................................................................................... 79

Figure 14 - Cones o f Vision for Signal Visibil ity ...................................................................................................................... 85

Figure 15 - Secon dary Head Blocking Visib ili ty ....................................................................................................................... 87

Figure 16 - Auxiliary Heads at Un derp ass .................................................................................................................................. 87

Figure 17 - Auxil iar y Head s at Intersect ion on Curve ............................................................................................................. 87

Fig ure 18 - Use of Cont inuou s Flasher ........................................................................................................................................88

Fig ure 19 - Use of Active Flasher & Sign ....................................................................................................................................89

Figure 2 0 - Opt ically Programmable Heads, Example in W ide M edian ........................................................................... 89

Figure 21 - Optical ly Programmable Heads, Example on Parallel Roads ......................................................................... 89

Figure 2 2 - Prim ary and Secondary Heads Wi th ou t Island s ................................................................................................9 0

Figure 23 - Prim ary and Secon dary Head Location s .............................................................................................................. 91

Figure 24 - Intersect ion Pedestr ian Signals ................................................................................................................................94

Figure 25 - Presence Loop s .............................................................................................................................................................99

Fig ure 26 - Exten sio n Loops ...........................................................................................................................................................99

Figure 27 - Crossw alk and Sidew alk Location s ...................................................................................................................... 101

Fig ure 28 - Crossw alk Design ....................................................................................................................................................... 101

Fig ure 29 - Use of Rig ht Turn Island ......................................................................................................................................... 103

Figure 30 - “T” Intersect ion App roach ...................................................................................................................................... 10 6

Figure 31 - Layout at A ppro ach W itho ut M ed ian Island ......................................................................................................107

Figure 32 - Approach W ith Fully Protected Left Turn Heads and W ithout M edian Island ...................................... 10 8

Figure 33 - Normal or Protected/ Perm issive Layout ........................................................................................................... 10 9

Figure 34 - Fully Protec ted Lef t Turn Appro ach .................................................................................................................... 10 9

Figure 35 - Fully Protec ted Left Turn At W ide M edian Ap proach .................................................................................... 110

Figure 36 - Fully Protected Du al LTL Approach .......................................................................................................................111

Figure 37 - Ram p Terminal Intersect ion Ap proach ................................................................................................................ 112Figure 38 - Shor t Of fset Intersection ......................................................................................................................................... 113

Fig ure 39 - Long Of fset Int ersec tion .......................................................................................................................................... 113

Figure 40 - Layou t of Poles W ith Pushbut tons ....................................................................................................................... 114

Fig ure 41 - Base Plan Features ..................................................................................................................................................... 118


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Figure 42 - Crossw alk and Sidew alk M od if icat ions .............................................................................................................. 119Figure 43 - Pole Areas Restric ted by Ut il it ies ..........................................................................................................................120

Fig ure 44 - Pre-set Sig nal Locat ions ........................................................................................................................................... 121

Figure 45 - Prim ary Head and Pole Layout ..............................................................................................................................122

Figure 46 - Secon dary Pole and Head Layout ......................................................................................................................... 123

Figure 47 - Layout of Pedest rian Facilit ies ................................................................................................................................124

Figure 4 8 - Checkin g Sign al Head Visibil it y and Layou t ..................................................................................................... 124

Figure 49 - Contro ller and Power Sup ply Locat ion ...............................................................................................................125

Fig ure 50 - Detector Loop Layout ............................................................................................................................................... 125

Figure 51 - U nd erground Duct System Layout ........................................................................................................................126

Fig ure 52 - Par tial Lig htin g ............................................................................................................................................................126

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................................................................... 131

APPENDIX B - REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................141

APPENDIX C - SIGNAL DESIGN CHECKLIST ...............................................................................................................145

APPENDIX D - LEGEND ............................................................................................................................................................ 149


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1. General Information

1.1 Introduction

Book 12 of the Ontario Traffic M anual (OTM) replaces

the Manual of Uniform Traff ic Control Devices

(MUTCD), Chapter on Traffic Sign als.

This is a user manual intended to provide some

elementary instruction to beginn ers and to provide a

reference to experienced persons for the design and

operation o f traffic signals. The intent is to provide arecommen ded best practice guide. This is not to say

that the recommended methods are the only m ethods

or are necessarily the best methods for the specific

set of traffic control signals under consideration as

many factors are involved.

Users should recognize that the planning, design,

application and operation of traffic control signals is

com plex; that all required inform ation cannot be given

in a manual; and that extensive knowledge and

experience are required to be p roficient in the field.

The material has been extensively revised from that

previously given in the M UTCD and has been updated

to reflect the following :

the introduction of additional types of traffic

signals including Intersection Pedestrian Signals

(IPS), Transit Priority Signals (TPS) and Bicycle

Control Signals (BCS);

• traffic signal needs and justifications

incorporating changes due to recent

developments;

• deletion of the requirement for Ministry approval

of mun icipal signal designs from the Highw ayTraffic Act7 (HTA) and the consequent need to

include m ore details on formation of design

guidelines and procedures;

• the desire to emphasize the need for

standardization of signal displays across the

province. This includ es the need to provide as

much information to Ontario road authorities as is

practical and the n eed to be com patible, w here

possible, with the Canadian national standard

(TAC MUTCD12) and the U.S. standard11.

1.2 Sections of this book

• Section 1,General Informat ion, gives general

information and basic signal concepts;

• Section 2, Legal Requirements, gives the legalrequirements pertaining to app lication of the

Highway Traffic Act;

• Section 3, Operational Practice, gives

guidelines and recommended practice for

operational features;

• Section 4, Planning and Justif ication, gives

guidelines and recommended practice for

justif ying the n eed for t raf fic signals;

• Section 5, Design Practice, gives guidelines

and recommended practice for design concepts,philosophy and details;

• Section 6, Miscellaneous Informat ion, gives

recommend ed practices and gu idelines for

miscellaneous aspects.

This book refers to various publications produced by

the M inistry and other agencies such as the Institute

of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the International

Munic ipa l S ignals Assoc iat ion ( IMSA) , the

Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) and the

Ontario Traffic Con ference (OTC). A reference section

is provided in the book.

The manual uses acronyms and, of necessity, some

industr y jargon. A Glossary is provided in the manual.


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2Ontario Traf fic Manual - July, 2001


Where symbols appear for layout drawings, the

symbols legend may be found in Ontario Provincial

Standard Draw ings 15 , Volum e 4 , Electrical Draw ings,

Division 20 0 0 . An abbreviated version of this legend

may be found in Appendix D.

1.3 Use of This Book

In this publication, the meaning of identifying terms

are as follows:

” Legal Requirement(s)” , “ Legally Required” ,

“ Legal” and equiva lent terms mean that the

requirement is the law of Ontario as established und erthe Highway Traffic Act 7 (HTA) and its Regulations.

The requirement is typically described by the use of

“shall” or “must”.

”Interpretation” mean s the interpretations and

emphas is of the legal requi rements . The

interpretations are not necessarily precise wording

interpretations of the HTA 7 and Regulations. M any

small items of application do not warrant a full

description under the legal documents and further

interpretation is required in the interests of safety,

s t andard iza t ion t h roughou t On ta r io o r o t he r

requirements. The interpretations are given in laylanguage and may include some jargon of the industry.

The requirement is typically described by the use of

“shall”.

“ Recommended Practice” means the best manner

in which the legal requirements and interpretations

are appl ied using the typical procedures and

equipment in use in Ontario. The recommended

practices are not necessarily the only practices

available based on the interpretation of the legal

requirements or the select ion of equipment or

methods of operat ion. The recommendat ion is

typically described by t he use of “should”.

” Guideline” m eans a suggested method of practical

appl icat ion of the legal requi rements and

interpretations using the typical procedures and

equipment and methods of operation in use in Ontario.

The guidelines are meant to p rovide guidance to t hose

in the traffic signal industry who may be unsure of

the method s of application. A guideline has no legal

connotat ion and several al ternate methods of

achiev ing the same resul t , cons is tent w i th

standardization, may be available to the user. A

guideline is typically described by the use of “m ay”.

1.4 Classif icat ion

Traffic signals include electrically operated traffic

control devices (except signs and pavement markings)

which are recognized in th e HTA 7 and by w hich traffic

is warned or is directed to take some specific action.

Traffic signals may be c lassified as follow s:

1.Traffic Control Signals are defined as those which

alternate vehicular and/ or p edestrian right-of-way

and include the following:

• Full Intersection Traffic Control Signals;

• Intersection Pedestrian Signals (IPS);

• Midblock Pedestrian Signals;

• Bicycle Control Signals;

• Moveable Span Bridge Traffic Signals;

• Transit Priority Signals;

• Ramp Metering Signals;

• Portable Lane Control Signals;

• Train Approach Signals; and

• Lane Direction Signals.

2. Flashing Beacons:

• At Intersections; and• Warning Of Other Special Hazards.


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1.5 Functions Of Traffic ControlSignals

The function of a traffic control signal is to alternate

the right-of-way between conflict ing streams of

vehicular traffic, or vehicu lar traffic and pedestrians

crossing a roadway, with maximum efficiency and

safety. M aximum efficiency imp lies the minimum

delay to traffic. Safety requires that the traffic control

signals operate at the minimum hazard to vehicles

and pedestrians. Traffic control signals, as the name

imp lies, are primarily control devices rather than safety

devices.

Traffic cont rol signals can seldom be justified as safety

measures alone since their installation does not

necessar i ly guarantee a reduct ion in col l is ion

experience. The practice of installing traffic control

signals for reasons other than right-of-way cont rol has

led to ins ta l la t ions in some ins tances where

justif ication is weak. Traf fic wait ing at a side road

stop sign m ay have lower overall delay without a signal

than would occur waiting for a signal change at an

unjustified traffic control signal.

Unnecessary traffic control signals can lead to

excessive delay, increased use of fuel, increased

air pol lut ion, increased noise, motorist

frustration, greater disobedience of the signals

and to the use of alternate routes in at tempting

to avoid these types of signals. Un justified traffic

control signals may alter the type of collisions and in

some cases increase the col l is ion f requency,

particularly rear-end collisions, as opposed to right-

angle collisions prevalent at intersections controlled

by stop signs. Therefore, installation of traffic

control signals does not necessarily guarantee a

reduction in collision frequency although some

signals can be justified on a safet y basis only.

Traffic control signals are to be used for t he safe control

and regulation of the movements of goods and people.

Traffic control signals should not be used for traffic

calming schemes, for limiting traffic volumes on

specific routes, for speed control devices, for demand

control devices or for the discouragement of m otorists

and pedestrians for use of a specific route.

Justification of traffic signals should be based on

studies and needs as outlined in Section 4 .

1.6 Signal Indicat ions

General

This Section describes the general usage of signal

ind icat ions inc lud ing some des ign and some

operational features.

The meaning and position of the various traffic

control signal indicat ions described herein have

been interpreted as standardized for use in

Ontario and should not be varied. The mean ing

of the ind ications may be clarified or q ualified, where

appropriate, by a sign as identified in the Ontario

Traffic Manual - Book 5 - Regulatory Signs.

Different operations and displays will dep end on the

need to produce a given level of service at the

maximum level of safety for traffic movements as

discussed in Section 4 .

Continuit y Of Operation

Once a set of traffic control signals has been installed,

it should always display some indication under norm al

conditions. It should never intentionally be turned off

unless control is provided by a police officer or an

alternate method.


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When the traffic signal is to be taken out of

service for an extended period of time, the signal

heads should be either removed or the lenses

covered in such a manner that they are no longer

visible to moto rists and/ or pedestrians. The absence

of any signal indication will help to warn motorists

that the traffic signal is malfunctioning. Wh en signals

are removed, some alternative form of control shall

be introduced for that period.

If due to a collision or reconstruction, some or all of

the existing traffic signal heads have to be replaced

or relocated, an interim installation of tem porary signal

heads should be con sidered. It is necessary to

maintain the proper and safe operat ion of the

intersection. If the final repairs w ill take a considerable

amount of tim e (e.g. longer th an it is practical to keep

a police constable on site) the interim installation

should be consid ered as being required. The

temporary s ignal heads must conform to the

requirements for traffic control signals.

Recommended Practice For Standardized

Displays

In Ontario, standardization of the signal design for a

basic two phase intersection has been achieved

through the application and interpretation of theprinciples of the HTA7 and the previously published

MUTCD10 . The use of at least two vertic ally mounted

signal heads located on th e far side of th e intersection

from w hich traffic is approaching is a standard w hich

has been used in Ontario for many years.

Traffic control signal lenses for vehicular traffic must

be circular w ith a diameter of not less than 20 cm.

At least th e red indications of the primary signal head

shall be 30 cm d iameter. For roadw ays posted at 8 0

km/ h and over, it is recomm ended practice that both

primary and secondary red indications be of 30 cm

diameter. All arrow indications shall be 30 cmdiameter.

The standardized traffic c ontrol signal indications shall

be shown by means of lenses not having visible

lettering nor insignia of any kind on their surface,

excepting special signal lenses used for pedestrian

signal heads, arrow indications and transit priority

signals.

The lenses shall be illuminated and shall produce a

visual display conforming to ITE Standard ST -017 27

for chromaticity and luminance of the red, amber

(“yellow” in ITE publications) and green displays and

shall be clearly distinguishable under all normal

conditions of visibility.

The standard indications used in Ontario are shown

in Section 2 , Figure 1.


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2. Legal Requirements

2.1 General

Section 2 gives an interpretation of Subsection 144

(31 ) and Regulation 626 of the Highw ay Traffic Act7

(HTA) together w ith recomm ended practice guidelines

and comm ents. The April, 199 6 edition of Regulation

626 is used.

2.2 Approval Of Signal Designs

HTA Statute 144 (31) - Approvals

1. General

A revision to The Highway Traffic Act (HTA), Sub-

section 144 (31), was proclaimed into law in the

Ontario Legislature on M arch 3, 1997.

2 . Legal Requirement s

The following is the text of the revision:

(31) “Subject to subsection (31.1), no traffic control

signal system or traffic control signal used in

conjunction with a traffic control signal

system shall be erected or installed except in

accordance with an approval obtained from a

person designated to give such approvals by

the municipality or other authority that has

jurisd iction over the h ighw ay o r t he

intersection.

(31.1 ) No traffic control signal system or traffic

control signal used in conjunction with a traffic control signal system shall be erected

or installed on a highw ay designated as a

connecting link under subsection 21(1) of the

Public Transport ation and Highw ay

Improvement Act except in accordance w ith

an approval obtained from t he M inister or an

official of the M inistry authorized by the

Minister to grant such approval.”

3. Interpretat ion

i Municipal it ies are responsible for designating

a person to approve traffic signal designs and

installations on their ow n roadw ays;

i i The Minist ry wi l l st il l approve traff ic signal

designs and installations for c onnecting links;

i ii For highways and ramp terminal intersect ions

under Ministry jurisdiction, the Ministry willcontinue to follow the practice of preparing

form PHM-125 for each signal and th ese will

be reviewed and approved internally; and

iv For highways and ramp terminal intersect ions

under Ministry jurisdiction but where the

M inistry has entered into m aintenance and

operations agreements w ith m unicipalities,

the p articular municipality is responsible for

preparing form PHM-125 and subm itting it to

the M inistry for approval.

4. Recommended Practice

i It is a rec om m en ded pract ic e th at

mun icipalities should follow a similar

procedure, w ithin their ow n organizations of

preparing , approving and up dating traffic

control signal draw ings to ensure that a

com petent person review s the design and in

order to assist in the p rotection of the

mun icipality should a traffic collision or other

mishap occur. A continuing program of pro-

active risk management including t he

approval procedure is strongly recomm ended.

i i Where smaller municipal it ies are undertaking

traffic signal installations or m odifications and

do not have a person experienced w ith the

work, it is strongly suggested that the


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mun icipalities engage qualified persons who

can design, and/ or certify the design, prior to

approval by th e designated persons of the

municipalities. These persons do not have to

be an internal staff m ember.

i ii As a minimum, i t is a recommended pract ice

that th e traffic control signal plans should b e

produced to a scale of 1 :20 0 , 1:250 or

1 :50 0 . The plans should show the

intersection details on all approaches for the

distance from the intersection w hich directly

affects the signal operation (usually not less

than 3 0 m) and should ind icate, to scale, the

following (minimum) details:

• edge of roadway (edge of pavement or curb

and g utter), sidewalks, islands;

• legal and lane designat ion signs;

• property access (driveways, curb cuts,

ramps);

• uti li ty poles i f signal at tachments are

required;

• the exact locat ion, orientation and type of

traffic signal heads and pedestrian heads and

their mounting height;

• the exact locat ion of pedestrian signal heads

and pushbuttons;

• geomet rics as per Appendix C;

• pavement markings (centreline, lane lines,

crosswalks, stop lines, turn arrows;

• b lank-out signs and ac tive or cont inuous

flashing advance warning signs or other

types of equipment op erated by the signal

controller; and

• detec tion devices and thei r locat ion.

iv As a guidel ine, the fol lowing i tems may alsobe added to the plan at the option of the

road authorit y:

• locat ion of traf f ic signal controller cabinet;

• electrical detai ls such as underground ducts,

electrical chambers and controller and p ower

supply locations;

• property lines, st reet l ines, building out lines,

parking m eters and parking co ntrol;

• bus bays and bus stop s;

• lane dim ensions; and

• in fo rm at io n/ g uid an ce sig ns.

v It is recommended prac tice that i f signal

heads are relocated or, if additional signal

heads are installed, then re-approval of the

entire installation is required by thedesignated approval person.

vi It is recommended pract ice that approval

plans should b e prepared for both temporary

and perm anent signals.


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2.3 Regulat ion 626

HTA Regulation 626 Sub-section 1. (1) -

Minimum Signal Head

Requirements

1. Legal Requirement s

Sub-section 1.(1 ) states: “Every traffic control signal

shall consist of one c ircular amber and o ne circular

red indication in combination with,

(a) a c ircu lar green ind icat ion;

(b) a circular green indication and one or more

green arrow indications;

(c) a circular green indication, one or more

green arrow indications and one or m ore

amber arrow in dications; or

(d) one or more green arrow indicat ions.”

2. Interpretat ion

i Every traf fic contro l signal must have a

mandator y circular red and circular amber

indication;

i i Every t raff ic control signal head must have a

mandatory green indication.

i ii The green indicat ion may be composed of a

single circular green or a maxim um of three

green arrow s, indicating o nly right , left and

through t raffic movements, or

iv Where a circular green indication is used

(indicating that all traffic movements are

allowed; a “permissive” display), only one

additional green arrow indication m ay be

used in the same signal head, indicating that

either left or right turns, specifically in on e

direction only, are ”protected” from

interference from a con flicting traffic

movement;

v Where the green indication consists of either

left, right or through arrows or any proper

com bination thereof, with a circular green (for

example, with type 10 or 10A heads as per

Figure 1), then the arrows indicate single

protected m ovements which are active at the

same time as the circular green (and not

independ ently active), and one circular amber

indication only shall be used. This type of

operation may occur for instance at a “T”

intersection facing the side road.

3. Recommended Pract ice

i For reasons of simpl ic it y and physical

constraints and to increase their

effec tiveness, it is a recommen ded practice

that no more than five lens indications

should be combined in on e signal head;

i i Every green indication (c ircular or arrow)

must h ave an am ber (circular or arrow )

indication to indicate that the g reen interval

has ended;

i ii Where both a circular green and a left green

arrow ind ication are used to allow protected/

permissive movements during a singledirection left turn, the circular amber

indication operates in conjunction with the

circular green indication and an amber

arrow is recommended to act in conjunction

with the green arrow to indicate that the

protected left turn phase is terminating and

to be co nsistent w ith the requirements for

simultaneous protected/ permissive left turns

as given und er HTA Subsect ion 1 .(11 ). Where

provided, the left turn amb er arrow may

consist of either a fibre opt ic or LED arrow

w hich changes from green to amber (type 9

and 9 A heads), or a separate amb er arrowmou nted above the green arrow (type 8 and

8A heads) as would be used with the

flashing green arrow in this type of operation;


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iv The standard indications shown in Figure

1 are the only configurations that s

Documents

Trafic Signals