Signal Training

This two-day course will focus on topics related to coordinating/synchronizing traffic signals along the corridors. This course will enable you to develop and evaluate the performance of two types of traffic signal coordination -- time of day and traffic responsive systems. For time of day and traffic responsive coordinated systems, attendees will learn how to determine good timing and coordinated solutions with innovative approaches for managing vehicle queues, progressing turns, and addressing potential gridlock situations, how to find optimal timing solutions, and how to safely accommodate non-motorists. Students will work on signal timing plans for several signals along arterials including freeway interchange signals; assess whether more complex timing solutions offer operational improvements; solve specialized problems such as offset intersections and diamond interchanges; and learn to perform analysis and evaluation of traffic volumes and field checks. The operational concept for traffic adaptive systems will be introduced.

This two-session online course (4 hours per session) provides beginning-to-intermediate training in Synchro and SimTraffic software in reviewing traffic impact studies.

Using a combination of interactive lecture, question and answer, and virtual computer lab, you will become proficient in the Synchro Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Module, including defining a project (residential, office, industrial or mixed-use) trip generation, trip distribution, and trip assignment using a real-world multi-modal project. Students will use Synchro to review TIA Reports and Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis (TRB 2022 and HCS7) for analysis of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists level of service for signalized and unsignalized intersections, and roundabouts. Students will learn how to review Synchro traffic study parameters, including geometrics, multi-modal volumes, and signal timing inputs. The seamless integration of Synchro with SimTraffic, a microsimulation software, will be used to evaluate intersection operations and compare the differences between "isolated - macro-level" Synchro analysis and "network-wide - micro-level" SimTraffic analysis that is recommended for multi-modal, closely spaced intersections and congested corridors. Lastly, this course will teach you how to review and understand the potential differences in delay, level of service, and queuing analysis when using the empirical (Synchro) analysis or the micro-simulation (SimTraffic) analysis.

This newly updated course covers basic concepts, standards, and practices related to the design and installation of traffic signals. Within the framework of the California Vehicle Code, California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), and Chapter 9 on Highway Lighting from Caltrans Traffic Manual, this course will explore the relationship among various engineering disciplines as foundations for signal design; introduce signal phasing diagrams, signal controllers and cabinets; explain the layouts of signal heads, signal poles, conductor schedule, and associated signal conduits, pullboxes, wiring, interconnects, detection and safety lighting.

The course includes lectures, sample problems, and exercise projects that will familiarize the course participant with the design process for a simple signal design plan, and to provide for a unit-price-based cost estimate.

While this course will focus only on the introductory engineering aspects in signal design and introduce some local agencies' equivalent standards and specifications that vary from Caltrans, the goal is for the course participants to become familiar with standards and specifications that guide the design and lead to successful project delivery of an operational traffic signal.

This introductory course covers the essential operational functions of traffic signals and components, starting with basic design plans and diagrams, general rules, and specifications. Participants will learn about signal cabinets and components and how they function, traffic signal detection and calibration, wiring, power, and basic diagnostic skills.

This interactive course covers both similarities and differences in between the Model 170 & 2070 traffic signal controller. These rack mount controllers interface with a variety of electrical cabinet assembly styles, including the ever-popular classic, Model 332 standard. This hands-on course provides working knowledge about the capabilities, applications, and operations of these two controller types, as well as how to program signal timing plans into the controller using various local intersection software programs. The course covers all key topics ranging from controller hardware, module options, diagnostic tools, and field applications. Course instruction includes in-depth implementation issues, and to how to upgrade from NEMA TS1, TS2, or rack mount controllers. The course combines lectures with classroom exercises, case studies, and hands-on controller labs.

This four-session online course (4 hours per session) provides beginning-to-intermediate training in Synchro and SimTraffic software and the recently published Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 7th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis (TRB 2022 and HCS7).
Using a combination of interactive lecture, question and answer, and virtual computer lab, you will become proficient in the network coding and use of Synchro and SimTraffic for signal optimization and coordination projects. Working on a real-world multi-modal project, students will use Synchro to incorporate a Bing aerial background, add/modify roadways, input intersection geometrics, enter multi-modal traffic volumes (cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicycles), and signal timings to replicate / validate existing operations for signalized and unsignalized intersections and roundabouts. Students will also use Synchro to evaluate and develop optimal signal timing plans that reduce delays, stops, congestion, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The seamless integration of Synchro with SimTraffic, a microsimulation software, will be used to evaluate intersection operations and compare the differences between "isolated - macro-level" Synchro and "network-wide - micro-level" SimTraffic analysis that is recommended for multi-modal, closely spaced intersections and congested corridors. Lastly, this course will teach you how to review and understand the potential differences in delay, level of service, and queuing analysis when using the empirical (Synchro) analysis or the micro-simulation (SimTraffic) analysis.