Minimising the impact of Street works in Bristol using UTC portable traffic signals

The Challenge

For traffic control centres around the country, the two main causes of congestion are collisions and roadworks.

Roadworks with temporary traffic signals are a major source of frustration and delay for drivers, and when they are operated in sensitive parts of the network, their impact can be very high. This is especially problematic where the temporary signals are in the middle of a UTC or SCOOT controlled network.

It can be difficult to integrate temporary traffic signals into existing urban traffic control systems. In practice, this means that at highly sensitive sites, Traffic Management (TM) companies are instructed to manually control the signals during the peaks. Officers within the traffic control centres then call the on-site operatives and ask them to adjust the signal timings as required.

This is problematic for the TM companies and contractors due to the staffing cost and for control rooms because coordination between sets of signals is not possible. Also, there can be difficulties in getting hold of the on-site operatives when needed.

Bristol City Council wanted a temporary traffic signal that easily integrated with the existing UTC system and minimised the impact of road works in the city.

The Solution

Traffic Group Signals were the first manufacturer to develop radio-linked temporary traffic signals that operate under UTC control via wireless 3G/4G or ADSL connection.

Our UTC portable traffic signals are capable of operating under UTC fixed time plans, or as part of a SCOOT node. We were able to provide a specialist solution, suited to highly traffic sensitive sites or long term works which allowed the signals to be fully integrated into Bristol’s urban network.

To demonstrate the products capabilities, we trialled our UTC temporary traffic signals at two sites in Bristol and recorded our findings.

The Results

The trials showed that the signals improved traffic flow and maximised capacity effectively, minimising the traffic impact of the works.

Our UTC temporary signals reduced delay and improved the management of roadworks. They were found to offer a robust alternative to regular temporary traffic signals at problematic sites that are within, or impact on, urban networks.

As a result, Bristol City Council agreed to support the use of our UTC controlled temporary signals at appropriate sites in the future.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Bristol City Council for helping us develop this case study, which was awarded Most Innovative Paper at JCT 2015. The original paper can be found here.

Our UTC system was first launched under the Pike Signals brand and formed part of the Evo product line. We continue to support and develop this product, however the branding and compatibility may change over time.

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