Impact of COVID-19 on Traffic Signal Systems: Survey of Agency Interventions and Observed Changes in Pedestrian Activity

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant public health crisis since the 1918–1919 influenza epidemic, is the first such event to occur since the development of modern transportation systems in the twentieth century. Many states across the U.S. imposed lockdowns in early spring 2020, which reduced demand for trips of various types and affected transportation systems. In urban areas, the shift resulted in a reduction in traffic volumes and an increase in bicycling and walking in certain land use contexts. This paper seeks to understand the changes occurring at signalized intersections as a result of the lockdown and the ongoing pandemic, as well as the actions taken in response to these impacts. The results of a survey of agency reactions to COVID-19 with respect to traffic signal operations and changes in pedestrian activity during the spring 2020 lockdown using two case study examples in Utah are presented. First, the effects of placing intersections on pedestrian recall (with signage) to stop pedestrians from pushing the pedestrian button are examined. Next, the changes in pedestrian activity at Utah signalized intersections between the first 6 months of both 2019 and 2020 are analyzed and the impact of land use characteristics is explored. Survey results reveal the importance of using technologies such as adaptive systems and automated traffic signal performance measures to drive decisions. While pedestrian pushbutton actuations decreased in response to the implementation of pedestrian recalls, many pedestrians continued to use the pushbutton. Pedestrian activity changes were also largely driven by surrounding land uses.

Pedestrians and the Built Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changing Relationships by the Pandemic Phases in Salt Lake County, Utah, U.S.A.

“…Signs were placed instructing pedestrians to not push the pedestrian push-button, and traffic signals automatically brought up the walk signal every cycle. On June 29, 2020, the signs were removed, and the traffic signals went back to normal actuated operations, in which pedestrians need to press the button to receive the walk signal (most of the time) ( 42 ). The signals and days when the full pedestrian recall was in effect have been included in the model.…”

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pedestrian Push-Button Utilization and Pedestrian Volume Model Accuracy in Utah

“…Early in the pandemic, fears over virus spread and contracting COVID-19 by interacting with high-touch public surfaces—including pedestrian push-buttons at traffic signals—led some transportation agencies to eliminate the need to press the push-button to get a walk indication ( 7 ), a signal timing technique called pedestrian recall. For example, Salt Lake City and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) placed several dozen signals in downtown Salt Lake City on pedestrian recall from April through June 2020 ( 8 ). These actions were in response to fears which may manifest in different pedestrian behaviors when interacting with traffic signals that have not been switched to pedestrian recall.…”

A UWB/INS Trajectory Tracking System Application in a Cycling Safety Study

“…Cycling has been revitalized worldwide as a preferred active traffic mode following the large-scale prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 1 ]. As a human-powered and emission-free mode, bicycles are being recommended in more and more countries [ 2 ].…”