So how does Athens-Clarke County time its traffic signals?
The objective of traffic signal timing is to alternate the right-of way between traffic in such a manner as to minimize average delay to all traffic while ensuring a safe operation.

The majority of traffic signals in ACC are designed to be either traffic responsive or part of a traffic signal system. Traffic responsive traffic signals are designed to adjust their patterns based on traffic demand. These systems work well, but are limited to locations where we can communicate with the traffic signals from our office. Typically, ACCTE will use traffic counts that have been taken at the intersection to model the traffic signal operation and determine the preset maximum time. Timing for traffic signals that are part of a traffic signal system is typically designed to progress groups of vehicles along a corridor. The department uses traffic modeling software along with traffic counts to determine appropriate traffic signal timings to progress these groups of vehicles along a corridor. Once timing has been programmed for the traffic signal, we will observe traffic flow and further adjust the traffic signal timing to accommodate site-specific issues as needed.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a traffic signal installed?
2. Will a traffic signal reduce crashes at our intersection?
3. How do I get a stop sign installed? (Includes additional signs at existing 2-way stops)
4. Why do I have to wait so long at a traffic signal?
5. So how does Athens-Clarke County time its traffic signals?
6. How do I report a missing or damaged street sign?
7. How can I get my curb painted yellow?
8. What about installing Children at Play signs?
9. Wouldn't additional speed limit signs help to slow traffic?
10. Who maintains traffic signals in Athens Clarke County?
11. Who maintains Flashing School Zone Lights?
12. How do signals for pedestrians work?
13. Is it possible for two conflicting directions of traffic at a signalized intersection to receive green lights at the same time?
14. What happens to Athens Clarke County traffic signals when they lose power?
15. Why does a traffic signal change for no reason when vehicles are not present?
16. What are the cameras at traffic signals for?
17. How much does a traffic signal cost?
18. How do I report a damaged or malfunctioning traffic signal?