2 Del. Admin. Code § 4B.02 - Basis of Installation or Removal of Traffic Control Signals

Guidance:

01 The selection and use of traffic control signals should be based on an engineering study of roadway, traffic, and other conditions.

Support:

02 A careful analysis of traffic operations, pedestrian and bicyclist needs, and other factors at a large number of signalized and unsignalized locations, coupled with engineering judgment, has provided a series of signal warrants, described in Chapter 4C, that define the minimum conditions under which installing traffic control signals might be justified.

Guidance:

03 Engineering judgment should be applied in the review of operating traffic control signals to determine whether the type of installation and the timing program meet the current requirements of all forms of traffic.

04 If changes in traffic patterns eliminate the need for a traffic control signal, consideration should be given to removing it and replacing it with appropriate alternative traffic control devices, if any are needed.

05 (DE Revision) If the engineering study indicates that the traffic control signal is no longer justified, and a decision is made to remove the signal, removal should be accomplished using the following steps:

A. Determine the appropriate traffic control to be used after removal of the signal.

B. Remove any sight-distance restrictions as necessary.

C. Inform the public of the removal study. A SIGNAL UNDER STUDY FOR REMOVAL (D12-6-DE) sign (see Figure 2I-8) should be installed at an intersection to inform motorists of the potential removal of an existing traffic signal.

D. Flash or cover the signal heads for a minimum of 90 days, and install the appropriate stop control or other traffic control devices.

E. Remove the signal if the engineering data collected during the removal study period confirms that the signal is no longer needed.

Option:

06 Because Items C, D, and E in Paragraph 5 are not relevant when a temporary traffic control signal (see Section 4D.32) is removed, a temporary traffic control signal may be removed immediately after Items A and B are completed.

07 Instead of total removal of a traffic control signal, the poles, controller cabinet, and cables may remain in place after removal of the signal heads for continued analysis.

Notes

2 Del. Admin. Code § 4B.02