Designing Signalized Intersections Course

Registration for this course now open.

When: September 11 -- November 13, 2024

Course Description

The Designing Signalized Intersections certificate course is a blended learning program that provides students with comprehensive coverage of the technical elements of signalized intersection design.  This training program consists of modules covering major topic areas, which include overall introduction discussing the justification for and design of traffic signals, geometric design for signalized intersections, and detailed coverage of signal control elements.  This course provides a full understanding of the practice of designing signalized intersections including interactive instructor-led discussions and pre-recorded sub-modules. In addition, this course does reference content from the MUTCD, therefore, the specific modules that contained this content has been updated to reflect the latest 2024 edition of the manual. 

Four live instructor-led discussion sessions with guest experts will also provide real-world case studies, addressing emerging issues such as bicycle signals, cybersecurity, and sustainability among other topics.  These live discussions are designed and intended to reinforce the content learned from the modules completed prior to the live session.  Individuals who successfully complete this training program will receive an ITE Designing Signalized Intersections Certificate.

**This program is designed for practitioners early in their careers with a focus on foundational knowledge and skills necessary for designing traffic signals from engineering study to planning through implementation. 

Here is a brief summarization of the topic areas covered under each module:

Part 1: Course Introduction

The introduction will provide an overview of the course purpose and intent, intended audience, delivery approach for content, schedule, and the requirements to receive the ITE Designing Signalized Intersections Certificate.

Part 2: Geometric Design

These modules address the fundamentals of the geometric design of intersections and the choices of traffic control.  Topics addressed include the type of intersections and traffic control, sight distance and sight triangles, swept path and curb radii, the design of left and right turn lanes, and safety assessment.

Part 3: Signal Control

The modules on traffic signal control begin with an introduction to the overall topic touching the history of intersection signalization, purpose, alternatives, benefits and challenges, justification, human factors and safety, queueing, sustainability, and basics of signal phasing and sequencing , as well as on-going maintenance and operational considerations.  The course continues with material on the design of physical infrastructure at a signalized intersection including signal heads, controllers, detection and electrical facilities.  The next group of modules cover the various facets of signal timing such as the basic timing considerations, preemption and priority, bicycle and pedestrian treatments, and special signal applications as well as coordination and timing strategies with their performance measures.  The course closes with content on system control, intelligent transportation systems, and an overview of systems engineering, connected vehicle applications, cybersecurity plus the issues surrounding design document development.

Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Express the foundational knowledge necessary to design traffic signals from planning through implementation
• Understand and apply the appropriate method(s) to perform the necessary engineering study for the justification of traffic signals.
• Apply the fundamental concepts of the geometric design of intersections and the choices of traffic control
• Describe and apply the components of traffic signal control of intersections.
• Name the design elements of physical infrastructure of signalized intersection such as pole placement, signal heads, controllers, detection systems, electrical facilities, etc. and supporting documentation
• Explain traffic signal timing considerations for basic vehicular timing, pedestrians, bicycles, preemption and priority, special applications, coordination, performance measures, advanced system control, and cybersecurity.

Live Session Instructor Information

• Steven Jewell, P.E, PTOE – Lead Course Designer , LinkedIn Bio
• Douglas E. Noble, P.E., PTOE | Senior Director, Management and Operations | ITE 
• Guest instructors: Subject matter experts with extensive experience in signalized intersection planning, design, timing, and delivery processes will also provide instruction on several modules. These guest instructors’ information and full bios are provided on the module pages they developed.