08/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 16:30
(August 19th, 2024)
The next phase of traffic signal field evaluations for possible removal is beginning and will continue for the next two months.
This is the last phase of removal evaluations as part of a 12-year master plan to modernize and upgrade the traffic signal system to improve safety and efficiency. The upgrade requires the review of all signals for compliance with federal requirements listed in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) including vehicle and pedestrian volumes, wait time, gaps in traffic, and crashes.
Since 2017, 36 unwarranted signals have been permanently removed when the field evaluation showed they no longer met the requirements and demonstrated safe operations during the evaluation period. By the end of 2024, the master plan project will have brought real-time monitoring capabilities to 541 of the city's nearly 1,000 traffic signals. In order to continue these upgrades to more signals across the city, it must be documented that any investment at a signalized location is done where the signal is still warranted by national standards.
Ten signals will be field evaluated starting this week. During the minimum 60-day evaluation period, signals will be turned off and the City will monitor traffic, collect data, and review public comment. Locations with documented satisfactory conditions during the turn-off period will have the existing traffic signals permanently removed.
Federal Highway Administration data shows removing the unwarranted signals can reduce crashes, eliminate red light violations and reduce excessive wait times at intersections.
Locations to be field studied for possible removal:
Florence Blvd & Clark Street
Florence Blvd & Spencer Street
132nd St & Sky Park Drive
18th & Dodge
18th & Douglas
50th & Underwood Avenue *
12th St & Fahey Street *
16th St & Cass *
168th St & Harney
30th & Webster Plz
* Indicates that the unsignalized condition will operate as an all-way stop control intersection
For more information about the traffic signal field evaluation program and an opportunity to provide feedback please visit: https://www.keepomahamoving.com/projects/traffic-control-signal-removal-field-study
The Traffic Signal System Master Plan adopted in 2013 is located here: https://publicworks.cityofomaha.org/images/stories/Traffic/City%20of%20Omaha%