Techniques Used for Issues that are Controversial and Hard to Implement

by Michael Weiner, City of Savanah, Georgia.

The City of Savannah has been successful in removing unwarranted traffic signals by implementing a 90 day trial in which a signal is placed in flash mode of operation. During this period the location is monitored for operational problems, accidents, complaints, etc. If the trial test runs without major problems, a report is submitted to City Council for approval for the removal of the signal.

Using this trial method the City has removed four traffic signals that were not warranted and are presently in the process of running a ninety day trial on one signalized intersection. The same technique of using a ninety day trial has been effective in removing on-street parking on major arterials. A ninety day trial test period was implemented when residents requested the closure of a residential street which was used by nonresidential traffic as a cut-through facility.

Rather than constructing a cul-de-sac as proposed by a petition submitted by approximately one hundred residents, the department recommended installation of barricades to close the street. After the test period was over the majority of residents requested that the barricade be removed and the street be reopened to through traffic.