September 17, 2020
On September 22, City staff will begin implementing changes to the traffic signal timing on two major corridors in Lawrence – Iowa Street and 23rd Street/Clinton Parkway. They will join 6th Street as major corridors with signal timing improvements in 2020. The 6th Street timing changes were implemented in May.
Timing changes on the two corridors are tentatively scheduled as follows:
- Tuesday, September 22 – Begin Iowa Street changes
- Wednesday, September 23 – Complete Iowa Street changes, begin 23rd Street/Clinton Parkway changes
- Thursday, September 24 – Complete 23rd Street/Clinton Parkway changes, begin fine-tuning all three corridors
- Friday, September 25 – Continue fine-tuning all three corridors
- Week of September 28 – Complete fine-tuning all three corridors
The pattern changes are being implemented after a review of traffic signal operations within the City of Lawrence, which began in the fall of 2019 by Olsson, a nationally-recognized engineering firm. Funding for the project was included in the 2019 CIP funding.
As part of the review, Olsson analyzed the time of day scheduling, provided updates to vehicular and pedestrian clearance times (Yellow, Red, Walk, Flashing Don’t Walk based on each movement), and developed coordinated signal timings for peak traffic periods throughout the day.
Signal coordination is anticipated to provide benefits to the traveling public by reducing overall stops, vehicle delay, and improving vehicle emissions for the City. There are also safety benefits. By reviewing the vehicular and pedestrian clearance timings following the latest directives from the Institute of Transportation Engineers, we’re ensuring road users have adequate time to clear an intersection.
Additionally, a review of the time of day schedule optimizes timings for all periods throughout the day. As part of the evaluation, the overnight “flash” operations of many signals will be changed to more typical operating conditions relying on vehicle and pedestrian detection devices to activate the signal. The removal of “flash” operations provides safety benefits, particularly for pedestrian users who can use the signals to cross major streets safely.
A report of the City’s and Olsson’s efforts to review, implement and optimize the City’s traffic signal network is anticipated to be available in winter 2020. The document will summarize the network improvements, including overall reductions in travel time through the City. The results of this initial project will guide the ongoing process of improving the City’s traffic signal system into the future. Future projects will focus on implementing equipment upgrades and improving coordination for other signalized corridors.
Contact: Josh Carson, Public Information Officer, Municipal Services & Operations – jcarson@lawrenceks.org | 785-832-7822