SPEED MANAGEMENT THROUGH REST-IN-RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPERATION

Traditional attempts to control the speeds of commuter-type traffic in residential areas through the use of traffic control devices such as stop signs, warning signs and coordinated traffic signal systems have only been partially successful. A consideration of the residents demands, the benefits and costs of reducing the prevailing speeds, and the rights and needs of pedestrians and motorists for mobility and safety, led to proposal to evaluate a rest-in-red traffic signal operation. The traffic signal operation was put into effect in May 1976 and was accomplished by installing a singer 2200 controller and inductive loop detectors on a specified avenue. The rest-in-red traffic signal operation was evaluated with respect to speed, capacity, delay, accidents, reliability, and cost. The study demonstrated that the rest-in-red operation could be used to reduce average speeds significantly and safely within 600 feet approaching and departing a traffic signal. The reduction in accidents was not significant where the accident rate was already low, and the cost of the installation was not justified by traditional cost/benefit comparisons. It is noted that the rest-in-red operation could be used as an alternative traffic management tool to control speeds safely under certain conditions. Lastly, the selective conversion of existing signals meeting specific criteria may be expected to produce desirable results at a relatively low cost.