Traffic Signal Timing Calculation

Traffic Signal Timing Calculator

Transportation Engineering

Traffic Signal Timing Calculator

Intersection Parameters

Enter the intersection parameters to calculate optimal signal timing. Based on the Webster method for signal timing.

Phase-Specific Volumes

Phase Volume (veh/hour) Turn Type
Phase 1 (NB Through)
Phase 2 (SB Through)
Phase 3 (EB Through)
Phase 4 (WB Through)

Signal Timing Results

Cycle Length
90
seconds
Effective Green Time
67
seconds
Total Lost Time
12
seconds
Optimal Cycle Length
90
seconds

Phase Timing Details

Phase Green Time (s) Yellow Time (s) All-Red (s) Total (s)

Signal Timing Diagram

Capacity and Performance

Calculation Methodology

This calculator uses the Webster method for traffic signal timing design. Key formulas include:

  • Cycle Length (C): C = (1.5 * L + 5) / (1 – Y) where L is total lost time and Y is the sum of critical flow ratios
  • Green Time (g): g = (y / Y) * (C – L) where y is the flow ratio for each phase
  • Flow Ratio (y): y = V / S where V is volume and S is saturation flow

Additional considerations:

  • Yellow time is typically 3-5 seconds based on approach speed
  • All-red time is based on intersection clearance needs
  • Pedestrian crossing time must be accommodated in the green phase
Parameter Typical Value Description
Saturation Flow 1600-2000 veh/h/lane Maximum rate of flow under ideal conditions
Lost Time 2-4 seconds/phase Time when no vehicles can move during phase change
Cycle Length 60-120 seconds Total time for one complete sequence of signal phases
Yellow Time 3-5 seconds Warning interval following green phase

Transportation Engineering Signal Timing Calculator | Created for educational purposes

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