| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Taya Jarman (804) 524-6094 Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov |
RICH-0748 Nov. 20, 2007 |
SIGNAL SYSTEMS UPDATED NEAR RICHMOND AREA MALLS IN PREPARATION FOR SHOPPING SEASON
CHESTER — Do the words “50% off,” “clearance” and “sale” bring holiday cheer? If so, you’re not alone and neither will you be during the busiest shopping season of the year. Traffic is typically heavier during the holidays, especially near regional shopping centers. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and its traffic signal systems are ready for the increased traffic flow.
“It should come at no surprise that travel patterns change during the holiday season,” said Central Region Traffic Operations Manager Robb Alexander, P.E. “Every year at this time, a dedicated staff reviews and implements timing plans around area malls to ensure efficient operations.” In the Richmond area, VDOT has an aggressive, year-round, signal coordination program. The holiday signal changes are not significant, just minor tweaks and updates as needed. The systems are traffic responsive, meaning each system is monitored continuously by computers which adjust signal timing automatically as traffic conditions change.
“Motorists should expect delays throughout the metropolitan area this time of year. When traffic volume is heavy, tradeoffs are necessary. Traffic responsive signal timing may result in motorists stopping on side streets longer to allow for more efficient traffic flow on the main road.
Brief delays on the side streets are compensated by greater travel efficiency once motorists are on the main road. This means they will be able to maintain a steady speed, resulting in a smoother, more constant flow of traffic. VDOT’s goal is to keep the time it takes to go through a complete light cycle between 1 ½ to two minutes. Alexander comments, “If motorists are patient and obey the signals, everyone will get to their designation safely.”
More information about signal timing or other VDOT programs to improve driver’s experiences
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“It should come at no surprise that travel patterns change during the holiday season,” said Central Region Traffic Operations Manager Robb Alexander, P.E. “Every year at this time, a dedicated staff reviews and implements timing plans around area malls to ensure efficient operations.” In the Richmond area, VDOT has an aggressive, year-round, signal coordination program. The holiday signal changes are not significant, just minor tweaks and updates as needed. The systems are traffic responsive, meaning each system is monitored continuously by computers which adjust signal timing automatically as traffic conditions change.
“Motorists should expect delays throughout the metropolitan area this time of year. When traffic volume is heavy, tradeoffs are necessary. Traffic responsive signal timing may result in motorists stopping on side streets longer to allow for more efficient traffic flow on the main road.
Brief delays on the side streets are compensated by greater travel efficiency once motorists are on the main road. This means they will be able to maintain a steady speed, resulting in a smoother, more constant flow of traffic. VDOT’s goal is to keep the time it takes to go through a complete light cycle between 1 ½ to two minutes. Alexander comments, “If motorists are patient and obey the signals, everyone will get to their designation safely.”
More information about signal timing or other VDOT programs to improve driver’s experiences
Tweet
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
