713-627-3200
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Who is Completing the Application?
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Lauren Netherton
BGE EIT
713-488-8234
Primary Agency Information
Please provide contact information for the agency official who is representing the project sponsor. This individual will be considered the official applicant and must be authorized by their agency to submit this request for funding and make necessary assertations and representations on the agency’s behalf.
4440 Edith Street
Bellaire
TX
77401
Additional Agency Information
4440 Edith Street
Bellaire
TX
77401
Project Information
Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Program
Harris County
Bellaire Blvd, Bissonnet Street, South Rice Avenue, Newcastle Street
Bellaire Blvd from Chimney Rock to Newcastle Street, Bissonnet Street from Chimney Rock to Newcastle Street, South Rice Avenue from Fournace Place to Beechnut Street, Newcastle Street from Bissonnet to Beechnut Street
Currently, the City of Bellaire does not have a Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Program. There are 14 signals in the city of Bellaire along Bellaire Boulevard, Bissonnet Street, South Rice Avenue, and Newcastle Street. With signals, improper signal timing, or antiquated signal timing can cause the progression of traffic to suffer. Improper signal timings can cause excessive or unneeded delay, and leads to unnecessary fuel consumption and pollution. The City of Bellaire does not have a formal or programmed way to assess and regularly review signal timings and provide clear solutions to manage timings.
The proposed improvement is the creation of a Traffic Signal Timing Optimization program for the City of Bellaire. This program will conduct regular reviews of City-maintained traffic signals and update signal timing as appropriate to reduce fuel consumption and pollution from improperly timed signals. This program will also evaluate low-volume intersections where potential signal removal may be warranted. The proposed Traffic Signal Timing Optimization program for the City of Bellaire will consist of optimizing the existing 14 traffic signals every two years for 10 years (5 times). Each time that the traffic signals are optimized, the following tasks will be performed: 1. Conduct “before” travel time runs for two periods (AM, PM, or Off-Peak) 2. Perform field observations 3. Gather existing timings 4. Develop optimized time-space diagrams 5. Prepare offset/split tables for optimized timings 6. Implement optimized timings in the field 7. Fine-tune optimized timings in the field 8. Conduct “after” travel time runs for one period (AM, PM, or Off-Peak). The deliverables for the program will include the signal timing plans with programming sheets and travel time run results. Preliminary signal timing plans will be reviewed by City staff to allow for staff input. Appropriate traffic signal controller inventory will be confirmed during this review. The traffic signal timing deliverable will include the Synchro 10 Time-Space Diagrams for the recommended plan only, timing plans (offsets / splits), and programming sheets. The final timing plan deliverable will include the timing plans as implemented and fine-tuned in the field in the appropriate programming sheets. The “before” and “after” travel time run data will also be provided in the deliverable to the City.
This program will initially optimize the “Bellaire Triangle”; which is formed by Bellaire Blvd, Bissonnet Street, South Rice Avenue. Then, this program will determine the optimum cycle length, and then coordinate the rest of the corridors to it. The outcomes of the program will be better travel times for the city, reduced pollution dispersion and improved progression for each of the major corridors in the City of Bellaire. The program will result in the City consistently reviewing the signals for quality operations, particularity as traffic patterns change. This strategic initiative will provide a better quality of life for the road users and surrounding neighborhoods by reducing delay and increasing the efficiency of the existing signal network and optimizing City’s existing assets. This program will reduce fuel consumption and pollution from improperly timed signals. This will help the City best use the existing infrastructure, and will create consistent and achievable goals for the city. The Traffic Signal Timing Optimization program will quantify potential improvements and possible updates that can be implemented in the field every two years over a ten year period.
No
No
Less than $100 million
(Manage) ITS Infrastructure
500480
Project Development/Readiness
Not Started
None of the Above
03/01/2021
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Map/Location
Benefit/Cost Analysis
Using the provided HGAC variables and total program cost of $625,600, the BCA was calculated based on the equation: Benefit/Cost Analysis Measure(s): [Safety Benefits ($) + Delay + Emissions Reductions ($)]/Funding Requested Total Benefits: $28,995,085 Funding Requested: $500,480 B/C = 57.93
Planning Factors - Improves Corridor Level of Travel Time Reliability (LOTTR)
None of the Above
Planning Factors - Incident/Event Management
Yes
The Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Program will aid in special event timings to be used in the event of an incident, and adaptive and future technologies can be implemented as signal equipment evolves and is installed.
Yes
Bellaire Boulevard is on the CMP Network, and Bissonnet Street is on the Tier 2 Network.
No
Yes
Yes, the equipment installed at the signals will detect and give priority to emergency vehicles.
Yes
Yes, the equipment installed at the signals will detect and give priority to transit vehicles.
Planning Factors - Interagency Coordination/Continuity of Operations
No
Yes
The Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Program will consistently enhance the continuity of operations and will prioritize progression along the major thoroughfares.
Planning Factors - Roadway Hierarchy/Freight System Priority/Evacuation Route
Principal Arterial
No
No
No
Yes