Reduce construction-related backups by choosing the right team for traffic signal construction inspection
Sometimes all it takes to relieve traffic congestion related to construction is a slight change to the traffic signals.
Because cars might be coming from new directions, new detours are in place, and some roads are closed – the old timing could be causing bottlenecks. It’s a common situation that quickly results in frustration for not only residents who have to drive through the area but also the city, county, or other employees who must deal with complaints.
While some roads may need a more comprehensive plan, the biggest bang for your buck can often be adjusting the cycle lengths, offsets, or split timings.
In fact, it can be very gratifying to see an area that has frustrated drivers and screeching tires in the morning run much more smoothly in the evening.
Traffic Signal and Highway Lighting Construction Inspection and Documentation
CTL Engineering has a small but versatile team experienced in traffic signal and highway lighting construction inspection, fiber optic interconnect communication inspection, and product submittal review and evaluations.
Notably, CTL currently has a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation District 8 to complete traffic signal and highway lighting construction inspections. This means that CTL is a consultant on many ODOT District 8 construction projects to review construction plans, inspect the installation of traffic signals and highway lighting, and assist in designing new traffic signals and lighting.
It’s a service many municipalities, counties, and other officials need to ensure that construction projects run smoothly and don’t encounter unexpected hiccups and frustration.
In addition to signal timing, CTL regularly completes constructability reviews to ensure the construction plan will work.
And while many companies may provide inspections, CTL prides itself on not only providing the best reporting of inspected items but also on having a background in design so they can design, inspect and create an operations plan for construction projects all in one place.
Interconnectivity or tod programming
More and more often, however, traffic signal timing is no longer set at a single intersection, but multiple locations are connected with fiber optics or wireless communications. When signals are connected, it is easier to coordinate them to allow a progressive flow of movement. In addition, when traffic backups or anomalies occur, a communication system can adjust signal cycle lengths, splits, and offsets to allow traffic to flow more smoothly.
At many locations, traffic flows in one direction in the morning and another direction in the evening. Communication systems can allow for shifts in the traffic signal timing to accommodate directional changes in volumes with the morning and evening flows.
Without Interconnected communications, Time of Day programming within local controllers can also accomplish cycle lengths, splits, and offsets needed for progression of movements.
Depending on the system set-up, a person might review traffic problems and make minor adjustments to relieve a backup, or specialized software may make changes on its own.
In Hamilton, CTL is currently involved in a fiber optic project installing 90,000 feet of fiber optic cable into existing traffic signal cabinets. The project also includes upgrading controllers and components to make the new components work for their management center.
We have administered and inspected many fiber optic projects, including six, which installed new Traffic Management Centers for municipalities. We also assist and provide guidance and training for many cities with traffic signals, roadway lighting, and power supply needs. We also provide ongoing assistance for two ODOT Districts regarding ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) inspections, maintenance repairs, and upgrades.
Ensure your next project has the right team to prevent construction backups and delays.
With a background in design and extensive experience with reviews and inspections, CTL helps ensure traffic runs smoothly, even during construction.
To learn more about CTL’s construction inspection and documentation, reach out in the form below.
