VOLUME 1 PART 5

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Any departure from these requirements must be granted by the Overseeing

Organization.

2.12 Signal Head Alignment and Visibility

Traffic signals shall be visible from a distance suitable for the speed of the traffic using
the roadway. It is important that drivers have visibility of the signals at an early enough
point on their approach to allow time for drivers to stop, if required. Table 2.2 shows
the visibility distances required for different design speeds.

Table 2.2 Table of Visibility Requirements for Different Design Speeds

Intersection Design Speed (kph) Minimum Visibility Distance (meters)

50 70

60 90

70 120

80 150

2.12.1 Primary Signals

Primary signals shall be positioned close to the stop line. They are designed to be the
most prominent traffic signals, and their location should be consistent at all
intersections to assist drivers and make the traffic signals more visually distinguishable
from the urban surroundings. A set of primary signals shall always be located on the
outside lane of the roadway and shall also be added on the inside lane of the traffic
lanes where this would aid clarity.

Primary signals shall be located a minimum of 1 m beyond the stop line and in advance
of any pedestrian crossing area.

Figure 2.12 and Figure 2.13 show where primary signals shall be located with regard to
approaching traffic at small urban intersections and large arterials, respectively.

PAGE 26 VOLUME 1
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Figure 2.12 Location of Primary Signals at Small Urban Intersections

Figure 2.13 Location of Primary Signals at Large Arterial Roadways

VOLUME 1 PAGE 27
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

2.12.2 Secondary Signals

Secondary signals can be located either as closely associated secondary signals or as far-
sided secondary signals. Closely associated secondary signals are positioned on the
same side of the junction as the primary signals, but at least 6 meters away from the
primary, so a driver waiting at the stop line can see the aspects. Where pedestrian
facilities exist, the location of closely associated secondary signals should be just beyond
the facility, as shown in Figure 2.14. Such a location is recommended at lower speed
intersections to remove the opportunity for cross-reading and pre-empting the signal
change.

The alternative is to place the signals across the roadway on the far side of the
intersection. This alternative location is also shown in Figure 2.14. Alternatively, the far-
sided secondary signals can be mounted on a mast arm, which is recommended at
locations where there are three or more lanes present and shall be used on 80 kph
roads. An example is shown in Figure 2.15.

Figure 2.14 Secondary Signal Location Options (single roadway shown)

PAGE 28 VOLUME 1
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Figure 2.15 Far-sided Secondary Signals Mounted on a Mast Arm

Secondary signals should be positioned with consideration of the line of sight of waiting
drivers. To ensure that secondary signals are visible, they shall be located within an
angle of 20 degrees from the center line of the approaching traffic. Figure 2.16 shows
where secondary signals shall be located.

The distance between the stop line and any associated secondary signal should not
exceed 50 meters, except in exceptional circumstances, and if so, there shall be two
primary signal heads.

VOLUME 1 PAGE 29
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Figure 2.16 Alternative Positioning of Secondary Signals (single roadway shown)

2.12.3 Multiple Lane Considerations

Where multiple lanes exist on approaches, mast arms with individual secondary signals
for each lane shall be used. The maximum mast arm length that is currently feasible is
21 meters, which can be restrictive where there are three ahead lanes plus two left-turn
lanes. If it is not possible to have a signal head for each left-turn lane, one signal head
can be used, provided it fits visibility splay criteria set out in Figure 2.16.

2.13 Roadway Clearance

To avoid vehicle strikes against any signaling equipment, a clearance distance of
500 mm should be provided from the edge of the roadway (normally, the curb face or
edge line) to all traffic signal equipment. This includes the edges of signal heads and
other items mounted on posts. Signal posts shall be no less than 500 mm away from the
roadway edge. Where the cross slope of the roadway or the swept path of turning
vehicles dictate, a greater clearance distance should be provided.

In the case of mast arms, a minimum clearance of 2,000 mm should be provided

between their mounting upright and the roadway edge. However, the safety of
pedestrians shall be considered as paramount. On high-speed roadways, the pedestrian

PAGE 30 VOLUME 1
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

path shall not be between the signal post and the roadway if this would result in the
pedestrian path itself being narrower than 2,000 mm. It may be better to have the mast
arm upright closer to the roadway than ideal and to route pedestrians to the other side
of it relative to the roadway. This would keep pedestrians away from fast-moving traffic
and offer some protection should a vehicle leave the roadway.

2.14 Vertical Positioning

To position traffic signals correctly and consistently, the following specifications for
ground mounted signal heights shall be followed. The height for the traffic signal head
shall be 3,700 mm measured from the ground level to the center of the yellow traffic
signal, as shown in Figure 2.17.

Figure 2.17 Vertical Positioning of Traffic Signals

Where large vehicles are likely to occlude visibility of post-mounted signals on either
the inside lane or the outside lane of a roadway, and if the use of mast arms is not
appropriate, then taller posts and additional high-level traffic signal heads can be used.
These shall only be installed in addition to the signal mounted at 3,700 mm (to the
center of the yellow traffic signal). The high-level traffic signal heads shall be mounted
no lower than 6,000 mm between the ground level and the center of the yellow aspect
and no higher than 9,000 mm, as shown in Figure 2.18.

VOLUME 1 PAGE 31
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Figure 2.18 Additional High-mounted Traffic Signal Head Dimensions

2.15 Mounting of Traffic Signal Heads on Roadway Lamp

Columns
Traffic signal heads may be mounted on roadway lamp columns, provided that the
column can cope with the additional weight and wind loading, even with additional
holes required, which may weaken the column. Cabling must be contained within the
lamp column and the necessary cable connections must be suitably accessible.

Discussion with the Overseeing Organization will be necessary during the design phase
in order to ascertain the appropriateness of the lamp column for this duty. Structural
calculations are necessary to ensure the lamp columns can support the equipment to
be mounted on them. Traffic signals must still be served from the controller cabinet and
lighting units from the lighting feeder pillar.

PAGE 32 VOLUME 1
 VOLUME 1 PART 5
TRAFFIC SIGNALS

2.16 Mounting of Traffic Signal Heads on Passive Posts

On roadways with a posted speed of 80 kph, traffic signals may be mounted on passive
or collapsible posts, which are designed to collapse when struck and reduce the chance
of injury to the vehicle occupants. For non-proprietary items, structural calculations are
necessary to verify that posts can support the equipment to be mounted on them. For
proprietary items, check to confirm the permissible signal configurations including
signage.

Passive or collapsible posts shall not be used in urban areas, particularly if there is a
chance that pedestrians may be hit by collapsing posts. Mast arm uprights must not
be collapsible.

2.17 Mounting of Traffic Signal Heads on Mast Arms

At multi-lane approaches, mast arms (outreach arms) shall be used so each traffic lane
has sight of a traffic signal. Only secondary traffic signals shall be mounted on the
outreach arm. Each traffic lane should have a secondary signal on the outreach arm. For
example, a three-lane approach should have three signals on the arm. The designer may
consider mounting a primary signal for a different direction on the upright of the mast
arm if the location of the upright lends itself to this use. Similarly, pedestrian aspects
may be mounted on mast arm uprights.

For mast arm mounted signal heads, the minimum clearance from the bottom of the
head to the finished surface shall be 5.8 m.

Figure 2.19 provides details of mast arm mounting and the dimension requirements for
signal positioning.

Figure 2.19 Traffic Signal Mounting on Mast Arm

VOLUME 1 PAGE 33