Understanding Traffic Signal and STOP Sign Warrants 

Traffic signals and STOP signs are vital for ensuring safety and efficiency at intersections. In traffic and safety engineering projects, deciding when and where to install these traffic control devices is based on specific criteria, known as “warrants.”

What Are Traffic Signal and STOP Sign Warrants? 

Traffic signal and STOP sign warrants are guidelines used to determine whether an intersection should consider traffic signal or STOP sign control. These guidelines are based on various factors such as traffic volume, crash history, and pedestrian activity. Warrants help engineers make informed decisions to improve safety and traffic flow. 

Why Are Warrants Important? 

Ensuring Safety 

One of the primary reasons for using warrants is to enhance safety at intersections. By following these guidelines, engineers can identify intersections that require additional control measures to prevent crashes. 

Improving Traffic Flow 

Warrants also help in maintaining efficient traffic flow. Installing traffic signals or STOP signs unnecessarily can lead to congestion and delays. Warrants ensure that these devices are installed only when needed. Unwarranted traffic control may lead to driver non-compliance and a potential reduction in safety. 

Types of Traffic Signal Warrants 

There are several types of traffic signal warrants, each addressing different aspects of traffic and safety. Here are some of the most common ones as found in Federal Highway Administrations (FHWAs) Manual on Traffic Control Devices: 

Warrant 1: Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume 

This warrant is based on the total traffic volume at an intersection over an eight-hour period. If the volume exceeds a certain threshold, a traffic signal may be justified. 

Warrant 2: Four-Hour Vehicular Volume 

Similar to Warrant 1, this warrant looks at traffic volume, but over a four-hour period. It is used in situations where traffic is heavy for shorter durations. 

Warrant 3: Peak Hour 

This warrant focuses on the busiest hour of the day. If the traffic volume during this peak hour exceeds a specific threshold, a traffic signal might be necessary. 

Warrant 4: Pedestrian Volume 

Pedestrian safety is crucial, especially in areas with high foot traffic. This warrant is based on the number of pedestrians crossing an intersection. If the pedestrian volume is high, a traffic signal may be needed to ensure their safety. 

Warrant 5: School Crossing 

This warrant is specifically for intersections near schools. It considers the safety of school children crossing the street and may justify a traffic signal if the pedestrian volume and traffic conditions meet certain criteria. 

Warrant 6: Coordinated Signal System 

In areas with multiple traffic signals, coordination is essential for smooth traffic flow. This warrant considers the need for a new signal to be part of an existing coordinated system. 

How Are Warrants Applied? 

Data Collection 

The first step in applying warrants is data collection. Engineers gather information on traffic volumes, crash history, pedestrian activity, and other relevant factors. This data is crucial for making informed decisions. 

Analysis 

Once the data is collected, engineers analyze it to determine whether an intersection meets the criteria for a traffic signal or STOP sign. This involves comparing the data against the specific thresholds outlined in the warrants. 

Decision Making 

Based on the analysis, engineers make a recommendation on whether to install a traffic signal or STOP sign. This recommendation is often reviewed by local authorities and traffic committees before a final decision is made. 

Where We Make An Impact

Traffic signal and STOP sign warrants are essential tools in traffic and safety engineering. They provide a systematic approach to determining the need for traffic control devices, ensuring that they are installed only when necessary to improve safety and efficiency. McClure is ready to evaluate traffic signal and STOP sign warrants to ensure traffic control devices are placed effectively, improving safety and traffic flow for every project.

Understanding Traffic Signal and STOP Sign Warrants 

Traffic signals and STOP signs are vital for ensuring safety and efficiency at intersections. In traffic and safety engineering projects, deciding when and where to install these traffic control devices is based on specific criteria, known as “warrants.”  

What Are Traffic Signal and STOP Sign Warrants? 

Traffic signal and STOP sign warrants are guidelines used to determine whether an intersection should consider traffic signal or STOP sign control. These guidelines are based on various factors such as traffic volume, crash history, and pedestrian activity. Warrants help engineers make informed decisions to improve safety and traffic flow. 

Why Are Warrants Important? 

Ensuring Safety 

One of the primary reasons for using warrants is to enhance safety at intersections. By following these guidelines, engineers can identify intersections that require additional control measures to prevent crashes. 

Improving Traffic Flow 

Warrants also help in maintaining efficient traffic flow. Installing traffic signals or STOP signs unnecessarily can lead to congestion and delays. Warrants ensure that these devices are installed only when needed. Unwarranted traffic control may lead to driver non-compliance and a potential reduction in safety. 

Types of Traffic Signal Warrants 

There are several types of traffic signal warrants, each addressing different aspects of traffic and safety. Here are some of the most common ones as found in Federal Highway Administrations (FHWAs) Manual on Traffic Control Devices: 

Warrant 1: Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume 

This warrant is based on the total traffic volume at an intersection over an eight-hour period. If the volume exceeds a certain threshold, a traffic signal may be justified. 

Warrant 2: Four-Hour Vehicular Volume 

Similar to Warrant 1, this warrant looks at traffic volume, but over a four-hour period. It is used in situations where traffic is heavy for shorter durations. 

Warrant 3: Peak Hour 

This warrant focuses on the busiest hour of the day. If the traffic volume during this peak hour exceeds a specific threshold, a traffic signal might be necessary. 

Warrant 4: Pedestrian Volume 

Pedestrian safety is crucial, especially in areas with high foot traffic. This warrant is based on the number of pedestrians crossing an intersection. If the pedestrian volume is high, a traffic signal may be needed to ensure their safety. 

Warrant 5: School Crossing 

This warrant is specifically for intersections near schools. It considers the safety of school children crossing the street and may justify a traffic signal if the pedestrian volume and traffic conditions meet certain criteria. 

Warrant 6: Coordinated Signal System 

In areas with multiple traffic signals, coordination is essential for smooth traffic flow. This warrant considers the need for a new signal to be part of an existing coordinated system. 

How Are Warrants Applied? 

Data Collection 

The first step in applying warrants is data collection. Engineers gather information on traffic volumes, crash history, pedestrian activity, and other relevant factors. This data is crucial for making informed decisions. 

Analysis 

Once the data is collected, engineers analyze it to determine whether an intersection meets the criteria for a traffic signal or STOP sign. This involves comparing the data against the specific thresholds outlined in the warrants. 

Decision Making 

Based on the analysis, engineers make a recommendation on whether to install a traffic signal or STOP sign. This recommendation is often reviewed by local authorities and traffic committees before a final decision is made. 

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT