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Traffic Signal Systems
Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) Signals
The City of Sugar Land introduced the Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) left-turn signal in Spring 2010.- The FYA indication replaced several protected green arrow left turns, and helped to reduce delay and wait time by as much as 28 percent on major thoroughfares.
- There are 41 traffic signals that have FYA indications on one or more left-turn movements at the signal.
- The FYA signal is disabled when school zones are active and during the walk phase for a pedestrian crossing at a signal.
- Vehicle paths cannot cross each other on opposing left turns.
- There must be adequate sight distance for the left turn movement.
- The posted speed limit must be 45 mph or less.
Pedestrian Signals
For all traffic signals in Sugar Land, there are pedestrian signals located on the crosswalks at the traffic signal. These pedestrian signals are based on the latest TxDOT countdown module (which has three parts for pedestrian crossings).- First Phase - white WALK indication that normally provides 4 to 7 seconds for pedestrians to leave the curb and start crossing the street.
- Second Phase - orange DON’T WALK indication, which informs pedestrians whom are at the curb to not enter the crosswalk (since there will not be enough time to cross).
- Third Phase - a countdown timer will begin, which notifies pedestrians of how many seconds remain to clear the crosswalk.
Signal Detection Systems
Traffic signals use vehicle detection systems which allocate signal timing based on vehicles arriving at the signal. For example, when a vehicle approaches a signal from the side street, the signal system detects it and provides signal timing to this street approach. The city currently uses three forms of vehicle detection: inductive loops, cameras, and magnetometer pods. The pods are the primary detection system (since they can also collect volume and other traffic data). The loops and cameras serve as backup
systems.
Corridor Signal Synchronization
Traffic signal synchronization is helpful when there is a high number of vehicles traveling along a roadway corridor and are stopping at several signal lights. Signal synchronization improves traffic flow on main corridor direction, but can cause longer delays for left-turning and side street traffic. Therefore, signal timing is calculated so that the signals can turn green before the vehicle group arrives,and delay is reduced for all intersection approaches.
Traffic signal coordination has been implemented in the major corridors listed below. Staff monitor these corridors from the Traffic Management Center and make necessary signal timing adjustments as needed in real time.
- SH 6 (Brooks Street – Frost Pass)
- US 90A (Dairy Ashford – Easton Avenue)
- Sweetwater Boulevard (Alcorn Oaks – First Colony & Colony Square)
- Williams Trace (SH 6 – US 59)
- University Blvd (Lexington - Chatham)
- Dulles and Eldridge corridors
Travel time analyses are conducted along SH 6 and US 90A throughout the year
in order to maintain coordinated signal timing for the City’s Performance Metrics,
which are located in the Great Places to Live section for the Goal Measures.
in order to maintain coordinated signal timing for the City’s Performance Metrics,
which are located in the Great Places to Live section for the Goal Measures.
Emergency Preemption Devices
All traffic signals in Sugar Land use receivers for emergency vehicle preemption. These receivers are read by transponder devices that are equipped on all Fire Department trucks and several EMS units. An emergency vehicle (in route to a call) can send a preemption signal to the traffic signal receiver. The traffic signal will then provide a green indication to the emergency vehicle. The signal preemption clears any stopped vehicles and allows the emergency vehicle faster access through the signal. Once the preemption clears, the signal returns to its normal operation.
In addition, traffic signal receivers are routinely tested to ensure emergency preemption readiness as part of our maintenance program.
All traffic signals in Sugar Land use receivers for emergency vehicle preemption. These receivers are read by transponder devices that are equipped on all Fire Department trucks and several EMS units. An emergency vehicle (in route to a call) can send a preemption signal to the traffic signal receiver. The traffic signal will then provide a green indication to the emergency vehicle. The signal preemption clears any stopped vehicles and allows the emergency vehicle faster access through the signal. Once the preemption clears, the signal returns to its normal operation.
In addition, traffic signal receivers are routinely tested to ensure emergency preemption readiness as part of our maintenance program.
School Zone Beacon Systems
The City of Sugar Land maintains school zone beacon systems which are located within 20 designated school zones (on major thoroughfare roads adjacent to schools with children walking to and from the campuses). At the beginning of each school session, the beacon systems are updated with the weekly school schedule, and will operate on such schedule throughout the school year.
The City of Sugar Land maintains school zone beacon systems which are located within 20 designated school zones (on major thoroughfare roads adjacent to schools with children walking to and from the campuses). At the beginning of each school session, the beacon systems are updated with the weekly school schedule, and will operate on such schedule throughout the school year.