Signals
FLYER CONTAINS INFORMATION ON:
Burnt out or Malfunctioning Traffic Signals
Approaching Traffic Signals during Flashing Red,
Flashing Amber or Power Outages
Signal Synchronization
Left Turn Arrow
Red Light Camera
Audible Pedestrian Signal
Pedestrian Signal
New Signal Request
Traffic Signal Operation Report
City of Grande Prairie
9505-112 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 6H8
Phone: 780-538-0417
Fax: 780-830-7440
Burnt out or Malfunctioning Traffic Lights
The City of Grande Prairie Transportation Services Department maintains traffic lights for
all of the City. Alberta Transportation maintains the traffic Lights on the Bypass outside
of City Limits. If you notice one that needs repair, please email [email protected] or
call 780-538-0354
Approaching Traffic Signals during Flashing Red, Amber or Power Outages
Traffic signals may display “flashing red” or “flashing amber” under the following conditions:
a. New Signal: New traffic signals are usually placed on flash for a minimum 48 hours before they are put into full operation. This aids to draw motorists’ attention to the new
signals.
b. Malfunction: Our signal equipment continuously assesses itself and goes on flash when
a malfunction is detected.
c. Construction: An existing traffic signal may not be able to work properly during road
constructions or emergencies; the signal is therefore put on flash temporarily.
d. Damage or collisions
e.
Drivers approaching flashing amber light may proceed through the intersection with caution but yield the right of way to any pedestrians or vehicles that are lawfully within the
intersection.
Drivers approaching a flashing red light must stop the vehicle immediately before the intersection. Then proceed into the intersection only when it is safe to do so.
Power Outages:
If traffic signals are not operating at all due to a power outage, drivers approaching the intersection must stop before entering the intersection and treat it like a four-way stop intersection.
Signal Synchronization
Studies have informed us that some roadways are approaching the maximum vehicle capacity, and more
motorists would be stopped even with the best signal synchronization plan. Synchronization can only try to
minimize, but not eliminate stopping. The following are examples of situations where motorists could be
stopped more often:
Neighbouring intersections with similar traffic volumes or sizes are synchronized as a zone. When you
drive from one zone to another, you may have to stop.
Left turn arrows take time away from through traffic, hence stopping more through traffic.
When more traffic arrives at the same time than can be cleared, some traffic has
to stop for the next signal cycle.
The stopped traffic, in turn, creates more congestion for the next signal cycle.
At a wider intersection, pedestrians take more time to cross. Therefore, the red
light will stay longer and stop more traffic. Intersections where there are few
pedestrians have a long green light which is synchronized for the through traffic. If the pedestrian crossing button is pushed, the long green light time will be
reduced, and the synchronization will be interrupted to let the pedestrian cross
safely.
Signals are usually synchronized to favour the direction with heavier traffic. If
you drive opposite the heavy flow, you will be stopped more often.
Left -Turn Arrow
The issues considered for the installation of a left-turn arrow include, but are not limited to:
Vehicle demand for left turns
Delays experienced by left-turning vehicles during peak hours
Collision history involving left-turns
Approaching traffic speed
Existing roadway lane configuration, sight lines, grade and visibility
If a dedicated left-turn lane is not available at an intersection, it is unlikely that a left-turn arrow will be
installed because of the additional traffic delays that can occur when left-turning vehicles are not separated
from through traffic.
Red Light Camera
The Red Light Camera Enforcement System is part of a citywide safety program operated by Grande Prairie Enforcement Services in an effort to reduce the number of red light violations and intersection crashes.
The system operates twenty-four hours a day to capture evidence of red light runners. For more information on Red Light Cameras visit City of Grande Prairie’s Enforcements Services Webpage under “What We
Do”. or call 780-830-5790.
Pedestrian Signal
To reduce delays in traffic, pedestrian walk lights are sometimes displayed only when
pedestrians are present and after they have pushed the button on the pole to activated
the walk light. Wait time for pedestrians depends on when the button is pressed in the
signal cycle and could range from an instant response to a wait of more than a minute.
Audible Pedestrian Signal
To assist visually impaired pedestrians, audible signals are currently installed at the
following intersection:
100 St and 100 Ave.
New Signal Request
Planned signal installations are based on analysis of traffic safety records, traffic volumes, pedestrian volumes and sight lines. To request a new signal, contact Engineering Services at 780-538-0417 or email
[email protected]. More information is available on this process under the City of Grande Prairie’s
Engineering Services Webpage under Traffic Control.
Traffic Signal Operation Reports
A Traffic Signal Operation Report describes the operational status of a
given traffic signal at a particular date and time. These reports are typically
requested by law and insurance firms in connection to a motor vehicle accident. The request should be made in written form and sent to the attention
of the Traffic Engineer for the City of Grande Prairie or call 780-538-0417
for instructions. There is a fee of $100.00 + GST for this report