Traffic Signal Retiming Study

The objective of this study is to evaluate operating conditions of traffic control signals along roadways in the City of Palm Bay.  The study evaluated Malabar Road from Babcock Street to Jupiter Boulevard, and Babcock Street from Port Malabar Boulevard to Malabar Road. The primary issue is the high commuter traffic on these corridors during the morning and afternoon peak periods result in excessive queues and delays, and poor progression.

Turning movement counts were conducted by the Growth Management Department at intersections along Babcock Street and Malabar Road. A TRANSYT-7F simulation model was developed for the Babcock Street and Malabar Road corridors, and used to analyze existing conditions. An analysis of crash records indicated that rear end crashes accounted for 60% of crashes along the study corridors. Side swipe crashes were the second most frequent crash type accounting for 14% of all crashes.

This report outlines a cost-effective formal procedure for identifying and prioritizing red light running locations. The TRANSYT-7F signal optimization tool was used to retime and coordinate the signals. The objective of the optimization was to increase progression and reduce delays along Babcock Street and Malabar Road during the AM and PM peak periods. All timings provide adequate pedestrians crossing times. The retiming and coordination on the Babcock corridor improves progression by 11% arterial speed in the major direction of traffic during the afternoon peak hour by 8 mph. The retiming and coordination on segments of Malabar Road will improve progression by up to 16%, and reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%.

The study identifies intersection and roadway improvements that will enhance the improved operations under the retiming and coordination, as well as other improvements beneficial in the long term.

Click on "Report" to take you to the report itself, the narrative.

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