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Traffic Signals
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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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Book 12 - Traffic Signals
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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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