Traffic Operations
The Traffic Operations Division of the Public Works Department administers the design, construction and maintenance of traffic signals and other traffic control devices placed throughout the City of Bryan. This includes, but is not limited to, stop signs, pavement markings, crosswalks, and school zone flashers. The Traffic Operations Division is also responsible for checking and, if necessary, adjusting the timing of traffic signals.
To make a request for new or modified Traffic Signals, Signage, pavement markings, etc. please contact Traffic Operations at 979-209-5919. All requests will be evaluated in accordance with Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and City Ordinances and Guidelines.
Staff
| Paul Kaspar, PE, CFM | City Engineer |
| Zach Kennard, PE | Transportation Engineer |
| Eddie Lovato | Traffic Operations Supervisor |
| Edward Ramirez | Traffic Signals Crew Leader |
| James Pineda | Traffic Signage Crew Leader |
What Influences Traffic in Bryan
While traffic signal operations have significant bearing on traffic flow there are other factors that contribute to traffic congestion such as:
Driver Inattention at Signalized Intersections
Drivers being distracted and not paying attention to a green signal indication can prevent a line of cars from entering an intersection even though enough green signal time was provided.
Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian crossing activations can throw off traffic progressions on roadways.
Emergency Operations Preemption
Fire and medical rescue vehicles are equipped with devices that change the signal timing to provide the emergency vehicle a green light. These preemptions lower response times for the emergency vehicles but also cause traffic backups and green lights to be skipped throwing off progression along roadways at various times throughout the day.
Construction Zones
Construction zones whether due to private development, utility activity, City/TXDOT capital projects or City/TXDOT maintenance can cause delays in order to provide the workers a safe work zone.
Growth and Constantly Changing Traffic Patterns
The opening or expansion of new neighborhoods, stores, schools and employers can impact traffic patterns as well as an influx of new students to Texas A&M University each semester. This can be seen at the start of each new school year where it typically takes 2-3 weeks for traffic patterns to normalize.
Traffic on Earl Rudder Freeway
These facilities are owned and operated by TXDOT. The City of Bryan operates the traffic signals along all other TXDOT roadways through Bryan (Texas Ave, Briarcrest, Boonville, WJ Bryan, Villa Maria) but TXDOT controls the signals at the interchanges along SH6 (Earl Rudder Freeway).
Traffic Counts
The Traffic Operations Division periodically records traffic volumes on various roads in Bryan. The City of Bryan is currently developing a Traffic Count GIS Map that will enable residents to see this data in online map form when completed. Additionally TxDOT performs traffic counts on many roadways in Bryan and that information can be viewed using their online mapping.
Traffic Mitigation and Safety
Local Area Traffic Management (LATM)
The Local Area Traffic Management program (LATM) is a request-based program to improve the quality and safety of neighborhood streets. This is achieved by installing traffic calming devices along the requested street segments. These devices may include, but are not limited to, speed humps, speed tables, speed cushions, roundabouts, median islands, chicanes and bulb outs.
Public Transit
Public Transit in Bryan is provided by Brazos Transit District.
Roundabouts
While there are excellent examples of roundabouts in Bryan, particularly at College Main and Old College Road and at W. 23rd and Main Street, for some residents, this type of intersection may not be familiar. Here are some resources that will help you understand what roundabouts are and how to navigate them.
How to Drive in a Single Lane Roundabout:
- Drivers entering a roundabout must YIELD to circulating traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists.
- A driver approaching a roundabout must WAIT for a safe gap in traffic before entering.
- Yield to all traffic coming from the left.
- Drivers already in the roundabout have the right of way.
- Never stop within a roundabout.
How to Drive in a Multi-lane Roundabout:
- Observe all road rules similar to Single Lane Roundabouts above.
- Slow down
- Choose your lane based on the signs and pavement markings
- Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Yield to traffic in all lanes on your left before entering
- Don’t change lanes until you have exited the roundabout
Other Roundabout Resources:
- U.S. Department of Transportation: All About Roundabouts
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Roundabout Safety Measures
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Roundabouts – An Informational Guide (PDF)
School Zone Safety
The Traffic Operations Division evaluates known traffic, school and pedestrian safety concerns within the City of Bryan. When necessary, traffic control devices such as signs or pavement markings may be installed or modified.
Traffic Operations maintains school zone beacon systems which are located within ?? designated school zones (on major thoroughfare roads adjacent to schools with children walking to and from the campuses). At the beginning of each school session, the beacon systems are updated with the weekly school schedule, and will operate on such schedule throughout the school year.
To report a traffic, school or pedestrian safety concern, please contact the Traffic Operations Division at 979-209-5919.
To report an immediate traffic, school or pedestrian safety emergency please call 911.
Traffic Signals / Signs / Street Lights
To report a traffic signal outage during normal business hours, contact the Public Works Call Center at 979-209-5900. At other times, please call BTU after hours 979-821-3777.
To report a concern regarding traffic signal timing, please contact us at 979-209-5919.
The Traffic Division continues to evaluate each signalized intersection to determine the safest and most efficient mode of operation based on standards specified by the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. All signal timings are developed by a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Flashing Yellow Arrows
The Flashing Yellow Arrow indication replaced several protected green arrow left turns and helps reduce delay and wait time on major thoroughfares. In order for a signal to be considered a candidate for Flashing Yellow Arrow, the vehicle paths cannot cross each other on opposing left turns and there must be adequate sight distance for the left turn movement. Research data shows that improved traffic flow at intersections with flashing yellow arrows results in a reduction of 10 percent in fuel consumption and 22 percent in vehicle emissions.
How does it work?
- Steady Green Arrow – Proceed with the left turn
- Flashing Yellow Arrow – Turn left cautiously after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- Steady Yellow Arrow – Prepare to stop
- Steady Red Arrow – No left turns allowed
Signal Detection Systems
Traffic signals use vehicle detection systems which allocate signal timing based on vehicles arriving at the signal. For example, when a vehicle approaches a signal from the side street, the signal system detects it and provides signal timing to this street approach.
The city currently uses two forms of vehicle detection: inductive loops and cameras.
Corridor Signal Synchronization
Traffic signal synchronization is helpful when there is a high number of vehicles traveling along a roadway corridor and are stopping at several signal lights. Signal synchronization improves traffic flow on main corridor direction, but can cause longer delays for left-turning and side street traffic. Therefore, signal timing is calculated so that the signals can turn green before the vehicle group arrives, and delay is reduced for all intersection approaches.
Traffic signal coordination has been implemented in the major corridors:
- Texas Avenue
- Villa Maria Road
- Briarcrest Drive
- WJ Bryan / Boonville Road
Railroad Preemption
Similar to traffic signals, railroad signals can allocate signal timing based on trains approaching the crossing. Traffic signals are programmed to receive an advance warning signal from the approaching train. The signal controller (receiving the preemption call) will provide green time to the approach with the railroad crossing and allow vehicles to clear the track. Once the crossing gates go down, the signals will serve the other approaches until the train clears the crossing. Then the signals will transition back to synchronized signal timing.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons
The pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy or higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain “dark” until a pedestrian desiring to cross the street pushes the call button to activate the beacon. The signal then initiates a yellow to red lighting sequence consisting of steady and flashing lights that directs motorists to slow and come to a stop. The pedestrian signal then flashes a WALK display to the pedestrian. Once the pedestrian has safely crossed, the hybrid beacon again goes dark.
Pedestrian Signals
Many traffic signals in the City of Bryan have pedestrian signals located on the crosswalks. These pedestrian signals are based on the latest TxDOT countdown module, which has three parts for pedestrian crossings.
- First Phase: WALK indication that normally provides 4 to 7 seconds for pedestrians to leave the curb and start crossing the street.
- Second Phase: Orange DON’T WALK indication, which informs pedestrians whom are at the curb to not enter the crosswalk (since there will not be enough time to cross).
- Third Phase: A countdown timer will begin, which notifies pedestrians of how many seconds remain to clear the crosswalk.
Street Lights
The City of Bryan provides street lighting through Bryan Texas Utilities.
Traffic Signal Standards
In conjunction with the City of Bryan’s Traffic Signal Master Plan, new traffic signal standards, specifications, and details have been developed. Currently these standards apply only within the City of Bryan.
Traffic Signs
Signs are installed in accordance with Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
To report a missing sign during normal business hours, contact the Public Works Call Center at 979-209-5900. At other times, please call BTU after hours at 979-821-3777.
