Why can't we get more efficiently timed traffic signals?

Traffic signal timings may not appear to be optimal for your direction of travel for the following reasons:

Out of Date Traffic Signal Timing.  Current staffing levels allow only 100 of the 1274 traffic signals to be reviewed and updated each year.  The City is working with the North Central Texas Council of Governments and Regional Transportation Council to find federal funds to increase the manpower needed to update signal timings.

Excessive Traffic Volumes.  If the volume of traffic is too high on both streets, the signal cannot provide enough green time to clear the line of vehicles.  Adding green for one street results in more red and longer vehicle queues for the other street.  The only solution is to widen the intersection with additional traffic lanes.  Engineers try to balance the delay time for each approach in these cases.

Densely Spaced Traffic Signals.  If traffic signals are placed too close to each other along the arterial, progression cannot be provided for both directions.  Traffic may need to be gated through this area, to make storage space for vehicles turning into the system from the side streets and prevent gridlock.

Two-way Progression.  Most of the thoroughfare traffic signals are designed to provide bi-directional progression.  The design of two-way progression does not always result in a green just as you arrive at a signal like you would see on a one-way street.

Directional Traffic Flow.  If the volume of traffic on a street is significantly greater for one direction verses another, signal progression will be favored for the higher volume direction.  The progression for the lower volume direction results in more stops along the arterial system.

Network Progression System.   In some areas of the city, progression is expected for all directions on both arterials.  This is called a network of signals.  Motorists request progression for North, South, East and West.  This expectation along with excessive traffic volumes and directional flow make it very difficult, and in some cases, impossible to accomplish.  Engineers try to provide traffic flow that will benefit the majority of traffic passing through the area and minimize the overall number of stops and delay time.

Broken Vehicle Sensors.  Vehicle sensors are located in the pavement and detect the metal of vehicles passing over them.  These sensors allow the green time on minor approaches to fluctuate with demand.  Sensors can malfunction due to roadway deterioration, utility cuts or new construction.  When sensors malfunction, drivers may see minor streets or left-turn arrows that continue to receive green time even though there are no vehicles present.  The City has a significant backlog of sensors that need to be repaired.  The City is working with the North Central Texas Council of Governments and Regional Transportation Council to find federal funds to eliminate this backlog.

Why is the pedestrian "WALK" time so short?

Many times citizens request additional pedestrian crossing time because they don't understand how pedestrian signals work.  In general, the public lacks education on pedestrian signal operations.   Our most common complaint is that the "WALK" signal is not long enough.

The "WALK" signal is intended to give the pedestrian only enough time to step off the curb and begin crossing (typically four seconds).  The "DON'T WALK" signal means don't' start crossing and is designed to give enough time to finish crossing the street at a typical walking speed.

The "WALK" and the flashing "DON"T WALK" time added together, it is usually more than enough time to cross the street before cross traffic gets a green light.   Elderly and disabled pedestrians may need more time and should call (214) 670-4024 to request a longer crossing time.  An engineer can meet a citizen in the field and, if necessary, customize the crossing time for a slower walking pace.    

The total crossing time is based on an average walking speed and the width of the intersection.  At most traffic signals outside of the downtown area, a pedestrian push button (located on the traffic signal pole) must be activated before the "WALK" and flashing "DON"T WALK" signals will display and give adequate crossing time.

Why doesn't the left-turn arrow come up first?