2. Traffic Signal Timing..y
Kalispell
Past Offir:,- Box 1997, Kalispell. 1%4 liana 59903—' 99 7 -
TdCDh0T1C (406)75 -7720- Fax (406)7i }8 51
MEMORANDUM
22 October 2004
To: Frank Garner, Interim City Manager
From: James C. Hansz, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Subject: Leiter of Complaint — Traffic Signal Timing
A complaint by a city resident was recently forwarded by Councilman Hafferman. The complaint
is that traffic signal timing is all wrong and must be changed to provide flashing signals at an earlier start
time than presently set (11:00 p.m.)_ Traffic signal timing in the Kalispell area is presently managed by
MDT in Helena and their management also extends to those signals we own on First Avenue East and
First Avenue West. The current timing can be adjusted to start red/yellow earlier in the evening (we
checked with MDT Helena) and, provided the City Council concurs and KPD/KFD see no problems
relating to public safety, the change can be requested. It requires setting up a separate program for these
signals and Helena must do this.
Kalispell Fire Department identified another ootential timing option with normal izreen lights in
the NIS direction and cross traffic providing semi -actuated control to gain an E/W green signal. This was
the initial timing regime for the First Avenue .East and West signals when the roads were improved. This
was found to add significant delays to the E/W direction due to the nature of the computer control logic
for this system. It also promoted pedestrian confusion because the normal pedestrian indicators must be
manually activated in a semi -actuated system. It was subsequently discarded as a timing option due to the
added confusion and congestion it generated. It may be possible to program this routine for a part of the
day with red/yellow as it is now and otherwise normal timing for the busy parts of the day. But the
pedestrian issue cannot be eliminated when semi -actuation is used.
In general, there is no perfect timing system, only one that reduces problems to a manageable
level. If an earlier red/yellow flash time is desired, we believe this can be done with minimal disruption of
traffic. Please advise your preference.
memo0382004.doc