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Guidelines for Traffic Impact Report/Studies

APPENDIX 3

TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANT ANALYSIS GUIDELINES

An initial part of the study may be a comparison of the site parameters (i.e., volumes, accidents) and the warrants listed in the MUTCD. However this may not be considered a comprehensive study. Satisfying one or more warrants alone does not justify a signal. A comprehensive study should be performed to determine whether or not a signal will improve overall safety and/or operation at the intersection.

A comprehensive study for the need of signalization should include but not limited to the following:

1. Site Description
   • Urban, rural, residential, commercial, etc.
   • General physical layout - curves, skew, grades, etc.
   • Geometrics (Condition Diagram)
     • North arrow
     • Number of lanes (width)
     • Lane designation or use if not marked or signed
     • Channelization/Median
     • corner radii
     • Sight line
     • Ped facilities
     • Nearby development (Firehouse, schools, Railroad etc.)
     • Existing traffic control device
     • Nearby traffic signals
     • Speeds (posted and prevailing)
     • Driveways
2. Traffic Volumes
   • Recent 12 hour turning movement counts (Not older than 1 year)
   • Anticipated growth
   • Trucks
3. Operations
   • Field observations
   • Delay
   • Hazards
   • System needs
4. Safety
   • Recent accident data (3 year)
   • Field observations
5. Impacts of Signalization
   • Improve safety and/or operation?
   • Delay
   • Storage areas (queuing)
   • Nearby signals spacing
   • Traffic signal system (how will this signal fit?)
6. Alternate Solutions (no signal)
   • Type of solution
   • Impacts to adjacent intersections
   • Safety
   • Delay
7. Alternate Solutions (in lieu of signal)
   • Roundabout
8. MUTCD Warrants
   • Are warrants met? (which one or combination)
9. Recommendation
   • Signalization (explanation)
   • No signalization (explanation)

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