
Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Analyzer
Optimize traffic signal timing plans using demand data and coordination strategies
What You Can Do
You can systematically analyze existing signal timing plans, identify bottlenecks, and develop optimized timing solutions based on traffic demand patterns, intersection geometry, and coordination objectives. This skill helps you evaluate cycle lengths, phase allocation, queue clearance efficiency, and corridor progression to deliver data-driven timing recommendations that reduce delay and improve throughput.
Features
extract and organize traffic volume data by movement and time-of-day period
calculate ideal cycle lengths based on intersection capacity and coordination requirements
assess phase orders and splits to maximize throughput and safety
analyze whether existing timing clears peak queues within acceptable wait times
identify progression bands and offset targets for multi-intersection networks
compute delay, queue length, stops, and v/c ratios to quantify improvements
pinpoint phases, movements, or intersections creating congestion
structure analysis findings into clear recommendations for decision-makers
Example Output
Example 1: Intersection Timing Analysis
Existing Cycle: 90 seconds
- Northbound left turn: 8 sec (v/c = 0.85, queue = 12 vehicles)
- Eastbound through: 35 sec (v/c = 0.92, queue = 18 vehicles)
Optimized Cycle: 100 seconds
- Northbound left turn: 10 sec → v/c = 0.68, queue = 6 vehicles ✓
- Eastbound through: 42 sec → v/c = 0.78, queue = 8 vehicles ✓
- Estimated delay reduction: 18% | Stop reduction: 12%
Example 2: Corridor Coordination Plan
Three-intersection arterial (0.3 mi spacing):
- Intersection A: Offset 0 sec (reference)
- Intersection B: Offset +35 sec (green band 15-45 sec for EB progression)
- Intersection C: Offset +70 sec (green band 40-70 sec maintains progression)
- Coordinated cycle: 90 sec | Expected corridor speed: 28 mph (vs. 18 mph uncoordinated)
What's Included
- SKILL.md: Complete skill framework with analysis methodology
- Traffic Demand Analysis Template: Organize volume data by movement, time period, and growth scenarios
- Cycle Length Optimization Worksheet: Calculate ideal cycles using Webster's formula and coordination constraints
- Phase Sequencing Checklist: Evaluate phase orders against safety, throughput, and pedestrian needs
- Performance Metrics Calculation Guide: Compute delay, v/c ratio, queue length, and stops
- Corridor Coordination Strategy Worksheet: Define offset targets and progression bands for multi-intersection networks
Who It's For
- Traffic signal engineers planning timing optimization projects or retiming studies
- Transportation planners evaluating congestion mitigation strategies at intersections and corridors
- Civil engineers preparing feasibility studies and justification analyses for signal timing changes
- Transit agencies coordinating signal timing with bus priority and reliable service goals
- Municipal traffic operations staff optimizing signals in response to development or demand shifts
Best For
- Analyzing existing signal timing plans against current traffic demand patterns
- Calculating optimized cycle lengths and phase splits for congested intersections
- Developing corridor coordination strategies across multiple signalized intersections
- Quantifying expected improvements (delay reduction, throughput gain, queue clearance) in timing proposals
- Preparing data-driven recommendations and justifications for stakeholder presentations
- Identifying bottleneck phases and movements limiting intersection capacity







