Traffic signal innovation for intersections
The Liberal National Government has announced traffic signal enhancements to be installed at more than 40 Perth intersections.
Transport Minister Bill Marmion said successful trials involving traffic signal enhancements had been conducted as part of Main Roads Western Australia’s Traffic Congestion Management Program (TCMP).
“The trials included pedestrian countdown timers, flashing yellow ‘caution’ lights for turning traffic and right-turn filtering,” Mr Marmion said.
“Countdown timers replace the ‘flashing red man’ at traffic signals and let pedestrians know exactly how many seconds are left to cross the road.
“This will inform pedestrian judgment before crossing to maximise safety and reduce traffic delays for drivers.”
Timers are currently operational in 17 Perth locations, with 23 further intersections confirmed for timer installation.
“A key objective of the State Government’s TCMP is to make the most out of existing infrastructure – modifications to traffic signals can improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow at relatively small cost,” the Minister said.
“This Government is already delivering traffic congestion benefits with reductions to peak period travel times between metropolitan centres and Perth’s central area.”
Installation of the additional countdown timers, flashing yellow ‘caution’ lights and right-turn filtering is expected to be completed by June 2017.
Fact File
- Flashing yellow ‘caution’ lights alert drivers to a pedestrian’s right of way – five sites have been installed, up to 12 sites are scheduled for installation by June 2017
- Right-turn filtering removes the red right-turn arrow during non-peak times to reduce delays – trials on Canning Highway show a 44% delay reduction across six locations, with filters to be installed at up to 12 intersections by June 2017
- TCMP focuses on multiple strategies and projects to improve traffic flow such as:
- new merge lines and additional freeway lanes
- dedicated exit lanes to improve merging
- yellow box junctions and traffic signal timing improvements
Source: Government of Western Australia/www.mediastatements.wa.gov.auÂ