“DDOT will implement new traffic signal timing plans for 386 intersections”

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced it will begin the latest phase of its multi-year traffic signal optimization strategy designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow throughout the District.

Starting Friday, June 3, DDOT will implement new traffic signal timing plans for 386 intersections in Northwest Washington, DC. The boundaries of the latest implementation area include Canal Road to the west, North Capitol to the east, Eastern and Western Avenues to the north, and Florida Avenue to the south.

“Reducing congestion improves the quality of life for DC residents, enhances the business environment, and allows visitors to enjoy more of the District,” said DDOT Director, Leif A. Dormsjo. “We’re seeing the positive results of our congestion mitigation strategy in areas where the traffic signals have already been optimized, and we look forward to realizing the impacts of this next phase.”

Based on engineers’ estimates, the optimization in the first two phases reduced traffic delays by up to 30 percent in some of the impacted areas. DDOT’s engineers are reprogramming the traffic signals using updated pedestrian and vehicular traffic data along with new traffic models reflecting current traffic conditions. The new timing plans are designed to accommodate the District’s varying travel demands by time-of-day, including the morning, midday and evening rush hours, as well as the diverse traffic patterns experienced on weekdays, weekends and evenings.

Along with improving traffic flow, the project seeks to optimize pedestrian crossing times, reduce motorist travel times, and lower emissions and fuel consumption. The citywide signal optimization initiative started in 2012 and is intended to improve the District’s entire traffic signal network of more than 1,650 signals by early 2017.

The most recent phase of signal optimization, which was completed last summer, included nearly 650 intersections in the greater downtown Washington, DC, area.

DDOT will monitor and make necessary adjustments to the traffic signal timing operations through mid-June. Motorists are advised to use caution in these areas as they become acquainted with the new signal timing patterns, and report any concerns to 311.”