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Signal retiming on FM 1472 cut southbound PM travel times nearly in half, consultant says
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Summary
A traffic-signal timing optimization for 16 intersections along FM 1472 produced measurable travel-time reductions in field tests. Consultants reported modest AM improvements and substantial PM reductions after field tuning; they recommended further operational and geometric studies to add capacity where needed.
LAREDO, May 21 — A traffic-signal timing optimization on FM 1472 that covered 16 intersections from Fletcher Lane to FM 3338 reduced corridor travel times in field testing, according to consultant ATG DCCM.
Jeff Schick of ATG presented the results after TxDOT and city crews implemented new timing plans and performed field fine-tuning in March. The study grouped intersections into three timing groups and set common cycle lengths to improve coordination.
Why it matters: FM 1472 carries heavy truck and commuter traffic and has long delays at closely spaced signals near the I-69 interchange. Signal timing cannot substitute for additional capacity where volumes exceed intersection throughput, but retiming can reduce stop-and-go delay and improve reliability.
What the study did and found - Coverage and timing: ATG developed peak-period timing plans for AM (8:15–9:15 a.m.), midday (1:30–2:30 p.m.) and PM (5:30–6:30 p.m.). Intersections were grouped by corridor segment to permit common cycle lengths while accounting for differing phasing needs. - Cycle lengths and heavy trucks: Central corridor signals required long cycle lengths (160–180 seconds) driven in part by very high truck volumes and long vehicle startup times. Northern group cycle lengths ranged 120–180 seconds; southern group cycle lengths were shorter (~100 seconds). - Measured results: field travel-time runs showed AM corridor travel-time reductions of roughly 3–4 percent versus the prior timings. In the PM peak, the consultant reported a reduction of northbound travel times by about 25 percent and a decrease in southbound average travel time from approximately 29 minutes to about 15 minutes on the tested runs. - Operations: Schick said the system retains automation and dynamic allocation of green time (unused side-street time is returned to coordinated north/south movements), and the city implemented the consultant’s timings and performed March fine-tuning.
Limits and recommendations - The consultant and committee members agreed timing changes have a ceiling of benefit when demand outstrips intersection capacity. Several committee members asked whether geometric changes — dual left turns, turn lanes or a superstreet model — should be modeled; ATG said such configurations were outside the present scope but can be examined in a follow-up study. - The final report in preparation will document the timing plans and offer candidate capital modifications for future study.
Speakers quoted in this article include only those listed in the transcript and speaker list.
