Traffic Signal Optimization Study for Signal System
Project
Description
In 2004, Metro Public Works initiated a project to develop and implement new signal timing plans for Metro Nashville. Seven major corridors carrying the heaviest traffic volumes during the peak hour and midday traffic conditions were identified in the initial phase of this study. The intent of the project, which was funded with 100 percent Federal funds, was to make the traffic signals perform at their maximum efficiency, resulting in reduced vehicle stops and delays. In addition, the project included evaluation of the improved systems in order to document air quality and fuel consumption benefits.
Corridors
to be Evaluated
The seven corridors evaluated during the first phase of the project
were:
- Gallatin Pike
- Murfreesboro Pike
- Bell Road/Hickory Hollow Parkway
- Nolensville Pike/Harding Place
- 21st Avenue South/Hillsboro Pike
- West End Avenue/Harding Pike
- Lebanon Pike/State Route 45/Andrew Jackson Parkway (Hermitage area)
During implementation of this initial phase, additional corridors were identified and targeted for signal timing plan updates. In Fiscal Year 2005-06, funding was included in the Metro budget to implement improved signal timing on the following 14 corridors:
- Charlotte Pike
- White Bridge Road
- Jefferson Street/Spring Street/Ed Temple
- State Route 45 (Madison, Old Hickory, Lakewood area)
- Church Street/Elliston Place
- Woodmont Boulevard
- Haywood Lane/Antioch Pike
- MetroCenter Boulevard/Clarksville Highway
- Harding Place (I-65, Trousdale Drive area)
- Briley Parkway/ Thompson Lane
- Dickerson Pike
- Highway 100
- Highway 70 South in Bellevue
- Old Hickory Boulevard(Edmondson Pike-Hill Road area)
In late 2006, again using Metro funds, the downtown area and the following eight additional corridors were added to the program:
- Donelson Pike
- Lebanon Pike (Donelson area)
- Stewarts Ferry Pike/Bell Road (Priest Lake area)
- Broadway (Midtown area)
- 8th Avenue South/ Franklin Pike
- Elm Hill Pike
- McGavock Pike (Opryland area)
- 12th Avenue South
In a separate project, 13 signals on Old Hickory Boulevard adjacent to the City of Brentwood have been evaluated along with signals inside of Brentwood. This was a cooperative effort funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The map below shows a graphical representation of all of the corridors included in this program. When this work is completed, 560 Metro intersections will have been evaluated and improved signal timing implemented.
Traffic Signal Optimization Study Legends
- Phase 1
Completed in 2005
-232 Signals
- Phase 2 Completed in 2007
-161 Signals
- Phase 3 Scheduled for 2007
-158 Signals
- TDOT/
City of Brentwood Completed in 2007
-13 Signals
Project
Status
Updated signal timing plans were implemented on all 7 original traffic corridors by the end of 2005. This first phase of the Signal Timing Optimization Program proved to be beneficial in three distinct areas: Reduction in traffic congestion and travel time; Environmental improvements in air quality and a reduction in fuel consumption; and Fiscally beneficial (i.e., the benefits greatly outweigh the costs). View the complete Summary Report for Phase 1.
In 2006, 11 of the 14 supplemental corridors were completed and the remaining 3 were completed in early 2007. View the Supplemental II Summary Report for these corridors.
Work on the downtown area and the remaining eight additional corridors began in August 2007, and was completed in early 2008. Another major retiming effort is planned in the near future.
Project Contacts
For more information, contact the Traffic Engineering Division at 615-862-8595 or 862-8597.