Village of Oak Park

Village-Wide Traffic Signal Study

Improving Safety and Mobility at 41 Intersections

Civiltech is providing traffic engineering and traffic signal analysis to provide recommendations on traffic signal timing and signal equipment upgrades in support of Oak Park’s Vision Zero goals. The goal is to improve signal timing and phasing which will enhance mobility for all modes of transportation.

Extensive Data Collection

The work consists of an extensive data collection effort, gathering turning movement traffic count and CENTRACS data from each intersection. This information is supplemented with field observations along with inspections and inventories of traffic signal equipment, including inside the signal cabinets. An existing conditions Synchro model assesses the intersection performance and identifies movements with longer than desirable delays and queues.

Assessing Signal Timings

Traffic signal timings, phasings, and offsets are assessed at each intersection using Synchro to determine modifications that will improve mobility and safety for people driving, walking, and biking. These modifications include leading pedestrian intervals, left turn arrows, modified pedestrian clearance intervals, and pedestrian recall.

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Evaluating Traffic Signal Hardware

Traffic signal hardware is being evaluated for upgrades needed to accommodate signal timing/phasing, ADA, and detection recommendations. Cost estimates and an upgrade prioritization plan are being developed.

Vision Zero Goals

As part of this project, state of the art and state of the practice of traffic signal technologies will be reviewed with respect to achieving pedestrian safety and accessibility goals in the Village’s Vision Zero plan. A comprehensive analysis of video detection, active and passive pedestrian/bicycle detection, permanent real-time traffic monitoring, and adaptive signal timing technologies will be conducted and applicable upgrades to the Village’s traffic signal equipment will be recommended.