If I drive the speed limit will I get through the lights faster?
Traffic signal coordination is established along arterial roads to allow vehicles to pass through multiple consecutive traffic signals with a minimal amount of stops for red signals.
Approximately 75% of full traffic signals operate in coordination with adjacent traffic signals. Traffic signals are reviewed for coordination based on traffic volumes, signal spacing and posted speed. Most coordination zones operate with a balanced two-way progression strategy – meaning each direction along the roadway has a similar green time period to pass through adjacent signals.
Traffic signal coordination does not guarantee a motorist will pass through a number of adjacent signals without stopping. Factors such as signal spacing and posted speed sometimes do not allow for two-way signal coordination. In those instances, the direction with the heavier traffic volume is favoured, and opposing traffic will likely be stopped. An example of this is Wellington Street between Edinburgh Road South and Neeve Street.
Why is the light always red when I am the first to reach an intersection of a main street from a quieter side street?
These are Semi-actuated signals– there are vehicle and pedestrian detectors to cross the main street only. The signal will display green minimum time along the main street then responds to any side street actuations. An actuation may be a result of either a vehicle detected or a pedestrian pushing the button. Should a vehicle only be detected, the signal will change to green a minimum of 7 seconds for the side street and extend should further vehicles be detected. The pedestrian “walk” will only be displayed by pushing the pedestrian push button Example: Paisley Road at Silvercreek Parkway North.
Why does it seem like the length of time the light is green is different each time?
These may be fully-actuated signals – there are vehicle and pedestrian detectors for all lanes and all crossings. The signal responds to vehicle and pedestrian demands at the intersection. The signal displays green a 10 second minimum time for each roadway and extends should further vehicles be detected, or rests in that movement until an opposing vehicle or pedestrian is detected. The pedestrian “walk” will only be displayed by pushing the pedestrian push button. Example: Stone Road East at Victoria Road South.
Does the City monitor changes in traffic and adjust the signal timing?
Six to eight signal coordination corridors are reviewed each year in detail. These detailed reviews ensure the signal corridor is still operating as desired and adjustments to signal timings are made as required based upon updated traffic volumes.
Do we have audible pedestrian signals in Guelph?
Accessible audible pedestrian signals are located at various crossings throughout the City to assist pedestrians with their crossings. Pressing the pedestrian crossing button for more than 5 seconds triggers the recorded voice indicating when the walk signal is on. Presently there are over 20 traffic signals equipped with accessible pedestrian signals. Beginning in 2008, most new traffic signal installations will include accessible pedestrian signals on all crossings. Any request to add an accessible pedestrian signal at an existing location is made through the Guelph Accessibility Committee.
Why does the Flashing Don’t Walk signal begin before I’ve finished crossing even though I started across the intersection when it changed to walk?
The Flashing Don’t Walk (FDW) is to signal pedestrians reaching the intersection not to begin crossing. The FDW is always 2/3rds of the total crossing time. Walk/Flashing Don’t Walk time is calculated by measuring the total crossing distance and providing one metre/second crossing time. For example, if the total crossing distance is 30 metres, the FDW time is for 20 meters or 20 seconds.
All traffic signals have pedestrian signals (Walk/Flashing Don’t Walk) to inform pedestrians when they are legally permitted to cross. At some locations in the City, countdown pedestrian signals are provided to supplement the Flashing Don’t Walk information. Only the FDW time remaining is shown, as the Walk time may vary.
