Earlier this week, I drove through my most hated traffic signal in the entire state. To the average person, the signal probably seems innocent enough. The detection appears to work well, the heads are visible, the structure of the signal is new, and the volumes even meet signal warrants. Unfortunately, I know that the signal is not the best option.
About a year and a half ago, I performed a traffic study at this location. It is a T-intersection, and the mainline approaches have no turn lanes. The study was performed to determine the best possible phasing of a potential signal in terms of capacity, delay, etc. As part of the study, I created TSIS simulations to compare three different phasing alternatives. I also created a TSIS simulation of the existing conditions (unsignalized), as a basis for calibration and further comparisons. In the end, the study concluded that the best option is the existing unsignalized option, due to capacity and a low crash history.
Everyone in my office, as well as those in the district, agreed that the intersection should remain unsignalized. This was early in 2008. When fall election season approached, I drove through the intersection and observed that a signal had been installed at the subject intersection. I was shocked. When I spoke with coworkers about this signal, I was informed that upper management had sent a directive to install the signal. When I dug deeper, I was finally told that a county official was seeking reelection. This particular official had previously promised residents that a signal would be installed at the intersection. He, apparently, belonged to the correct political party and had the right connections, so he got his traffic signal. He was also reelected.
So, as I mentioned earlier, this is my most hated signal in the state. About $60K was spent on building the signal, countless employee hours were spent discussing and studying the situationg, and operational costs occur continuously. The area has not enjoyed an increase in safety, but are suffering from an increase in delays. I guess, however, that the primary goal of my organization was achieved. Screw the driving public, traffic engineers, and signal techs; the correct candidate was elected again.
