Posts in category: Traffic Engineering

Project Description: Six locations along state routes within the city of Huntington were found to have sub-standard traffic signal equipment along with one location in Bluffton. Each intersection required new standard traffic signal equipment to be installed. Recent paving projects through the project intersections resulted in a desire to maintain the integrity of the new pavement. United suggested the use of wireless vehicular detection at each intersection within the city of Huntington to meet the client’s expectations. Through close coordination with a local Indiana supplier, United provided the wireless design, complete with interconnection between the intersections.

Approximate Project Cost: $1.0 million

Breadth of Services United Provided:  Survey, RW Verification, Environmental, Signal Design, Utility Coordination

Project Description: The Indianapolis MPO, in partnership with the city of Westfield, commissioned United to analyze 193rd/191st Street from Eagletown Road to Moontown Road. This multi-discipline study required a holistic look at the 193rd/191st Street Corridor over a 20-year study period. The goal of the study was to assess the future traffic needs of the corridor segments and intersections and develop a programming schedule to provide guidance in planning for future improvements.

After reviewing available planning documents and traffic data, Heather was able to develop a multi-step plan for addressing current and future development along the corridor. This plan incorporated both traditional traffic volume growth through the use of a yearly growth rate, and the use of estimated future generated trips resulting from future development. Utilizing the future traffic data along each segment and at each intersection, Heather completed an operation analysis of each study intersection to determine the appropriate future improvements needed. Cost estimates were prepared for each recommended improvement and a schedule or program of future improvements was created to aid the City in planning enhancements along the corridor.

Approximate Project Cost: United Fee $100k, planning study, no construction cost

Breadth of Services United provided: Corridor Planning, ITE Trip Generation, Traffic Forecasting, Traffic Operational Analysis

Project Description: United’s Traffic Engineering team tackled this large bundle with intersections at four separate locations. Through coordination with INDOT Central Office ADA reviewers, District Traffic Engineers, and District Construction Engineers, United successfully completed the ADA curb ramp design without the need for a technical inquiry, keeping the project on schedule. Traffic Engineer’s proactively coordinated with a concurrent preventative maintenance contract within the city of Wabash to develop a construction sequence which eliminated rework at the intersection corners caused by the overlap in project scope.

Approximate Project Cost: $3.5 million

Breadth of Services United provided: Survey, RW Verification, Environmental, Signal Design, Railroad Coordination, Utility Coordination

Project Description: Truly an all-encompassing signal project, the modernization of seven signals within the city of Elkhart required the replacement of standard signal equipment, the design of nearly 20 curb ramps, and pre-emption phasing with an adjacent railroad crossing.  Although existing signal poles were utilized in many locations, a thorough utility coordination process was required to facilitate the installation of pedestrian push buttons and eliminate overhead utility crossings within the limits of the span and catenary.  Heather used a unique approach at the intersection of SR 19 and Main Street, where a dual-arm cantilever signal structure reduced the total number of signal pole foundations at the intersection.  This method also allowed the signal service to be located in a more convenient location on the north side of the intersection.

Approximate Project Cost: $1.1 million

Breadth of Services United provided: Survey, RW Verification, Environmental, Signal Design, Utility Coordination

Project Description: In addition to the modernization of seven signals within the city of Warsaw, INDOT requested United’s expertise in designing the conversion of Hickory Street to a one-way facility.  Existing as a very distinct road within the city of Warsaw, Hickory Street, is a local, two-way facility, has a heavily used railroad located within the limits of the roadway.  

Project Description: The city of Anderson desires to upgrade the central traffic system and modernize all 99 city-owned signals. Heather’s team completed a scoping report to prioritize the modernization schedule for the signals and determine the appropriate central system for the City’s needs, while following FHWA guidance. Improvements include new signal heads and wiring, new traffic signal cabinets and controllers, vehicle detection, and pedestrian push buttons and pedestrian signal heads where required.

Project Description: The added travel lanes project along SR 930 from Parnell Avenue to Crescent Avenue also resulted in the modification of four signalized intersections along the corridor.  The design speed of SR 930 required advance loop detection at the intersection of SR 930 & Anthony Blvd.; however, the close proximity of the bridge over the St. Joseph River required a more creative use of vehicle detection technologies.  To meet the client’s expectation of not altering the newly constructed bridge deck, Heather recommended the use of Microloop vehicle detection in the vicinity of the bridge.  The recommended detection technology allowed the required advance detection to be installed in advance of the signal while leaving the bridge deck untouched. 

Approximate Project Cost: $6.1 million

Breadth of Services United provided: Bridge Design, Sign Design, Signal Design, Lighting Design

Project Description: This INDOT LPA project included the installation of a traffic signal and crosswalks at the intersection of Smith Valley Road and Woodman Boulevard. Right-of-way and budget constraints created a challenging design environment. The intersection is in a location of high pedestrian activity near Greenwood High School. The use of video detection replaced the traditional loop detection methods. Heather used a non-traditional strain pole configuration used in combination with the aforementioned detection system alleviated the need to acquire right-of-way and reduced project costs. 

Approximate Project Cost: $140,000

Breadth of Services United provided: Survey, Environmental, Road Safety Audit, Signal Design, Utility Coordination

Project Description: The State Street Connection Project serves as an initiative to encourage economic growth and development within East Columbus by reconnecting it with Downtown Columbus. The project created a wider side path along the north side of State Street from Central Avenue to Mapleton Street and also included significant architectural enhancements to the Haw Creek Bridge, the incorporation of new greenspaces, and the addition of sculptural elements along the path. Consistent with the City’s branding scheme, the sculptural elements and crosswalks incorporate the Dancing Cs. A new gateway feature was constructed at the intersection of Central Avenue, delineating the entrance into East Columbus and providing an upgraded connection to the Columbus People Trail.

Approximate Project Cost: $4,287,000

Breadth of Services Provided: Topographical Survey, Right-of-Way Engineering, Civil Engineering Design, and Project Management