The Connecticut Department of Transportation held a two-day workshop November 8 and 9, 2018 focused on creating a statewide Traffic Signal Management Plan.

Staff involved in the design, maintenance and operations of the state’s traffic signal system participated in the workshop. These participants included design engineers, signal maintainers, highway maintainers, and operations staff who manage the state’s network of connected signals and cameras. Mary McCarthy, Tony Lorenzetti and Tess Schwartz from the UConn T2 Center took part in the event to represent the interests of Connecticut municipalities. Participants learned about what a traffic signal management plan (TSMP) is, the benefits of creating a TSMP and the process CTDOT will use to develop one.

Prior to the event, CTDOT’s consultant divided attendees into diverse groups that don’t work together on a daily basis. At various points during the workshop, these groups broke out to discuss their experiences and CTDOT’s current process for managing traffic signals. Workshop participants then shared these experiences to create lists of what is being done well and what can be improved.

Facilitators from FHWA walked participants through the “GCOST” process of determining goals, context, objectives, strategies and tactics and how performance measures can be used to assess the success of the program. A planned Berlin Turnpike project served as an example for participants to practice developing signal timings that meet stated goals and objectives.

The next stage of developing the TSMP will involve small-group stakeholder interviews to gather role-specific knowledge and information on CTDOT processes from workshop participants. The consultant will then work with CTDOT staff to develop the goals, objectives, strategies and tactics that will guide the maintenance and operations of the state’s signal systems. CTDOT’s TSMP is expected to be complete in approximately six to eight months.

For more information on Traffic Signal Management Plans:

T2 Center’s Traffic Signal Brief: Developing a Traffic Signal Management Plan

Traffic Signal Management Plans: An Objectives- and Performance-Based Approach (FHWA)

Improving Traffic Signal Management and Operations: A Basic Service Model (FHWA)