5 Things That Make Traffic Signals Change

Driving through an intersection with traffic lights

[This blog was last updated on Feb. 24, 2022]

What makes traffic light signals change?

Green.

Yellow.

Red.

Green…

Traffic signals are Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) designed to allow vehicles to safely cross paths while maintaining an efficient flow of traffic. To do this, traffic signals react to the presence of the vehicles and pedestrians they are guiding.

Although you probably don’t notice it, each mode of transportation interacts with traffic signals in a unique way. Here are the five main traffic light triggers.

1. Passenger vehicles and bikes

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure intersection traffic signals are “semi-actuated,” which means the signal will rest green on the highway until a vehicle on the cross street or in a left turn bay sends a callout for its own light to turn green. There are various vehicle detection systems out there; the ministry uses a wire embedded into the pavement and connected to the traffic signal controller. Because the wire forms a large circle, these detectors are commonly called “loops.”

When a vehicle drives over the loop, detector hardware senses the change in electromagnetic field caused by the presence of metal (from the vehicle) and a request for a green light is queued. The signal will “serve” green lights to waiting vehicles in a predefined sequence.

While an approach has a green light, the loops continue to detect vehicles, which extends the light up to a predefined maximum time. The maximum time ensures that the light continues to cycle, giving everyone a turn. The only exception is when there is a green light on the highway and nobody waiting at any of the red lights. Even if the highway green light “gaps out” or “maxes out,” the signal will stay green on the highway until someone shows up at one of the red lights and needs service.

Engineers constantly monitor the provincial signal network to keep things working well.

2. Emergency vehicles

Have you ever noticed those small white and blue lights perched on a traffic signal beam? They may not mean a lot to you, but they do to emergency vehicles.

Signal Pre-emption device to hear vehicles approaching

Many traffic signals are equipped with an emergency vehicle pre-emption device, which allows emergency vehicles to activate a green signal in the direction they are travelling. The most common ministry pre-emption device is triggered by the sound of the emergency vehicle’s siren. That’s when the white and blue lights come into play.

Since multiple emergency vehicles may approach an intersection from different directions at the same time, one direction is given priority. The white light indicates pre-emption granted in that direction of travel, while the blue light indicates the intersection is being controlled by an emergency vehicle approaching from another direction.

3. Pedestrians

Most intersections include pedestrian “walk” signals that indicate when it is safe to cross the road. Pedestrians push a button, which sends a signal to the traffic controller calling for a green light in their direction along with the pedestrian walk symbol.

While it may take time for the green to activate at an intersection, traffic signals at enhanced pedestrian crossings (like the one pictured here) react immediately by activating flashing lights next to the roadside and/or overhead pedestrian signs. This alerts oncoming traffic to slow down and yield to crossing pedestrians.

4. Buses

We all have daily schedules to follow; but on the road, it’s tough to find a stricter driving schedule than a public transit bus driver’s. Transit users rely on buses reaching their stops on time.

A graphic showcasing bus priority lanes and traffic lights
Credit: Translink’s The Buzzer

Bus lanes are not the only things that help buses maintain a consistent schedule – buses have their very own traffic signal, too. Some traffic lights include a rectangular white light at the very top that allows buses to proceed through the intersection ahead of other vehicles. Remember those actuated loops for passenger vehicles we mentioned earlier? Buses also have them; only difference is they cover more ground so that smaller vehicles cannot trigger the signal.

5. Trains

Ever wonder how railway crossings on roadways are activated? As a train approaches a crossing, it sets off a sensor built into the track, which prompts the rail crossing lights to flash. When an intersection is nearby (60 metres or less from the tracks, to be exact), a green light activates for vehicles closest to the tracks, allowing these vehicles to safely clear out of the vicinity of the rail crossing. The rail crossing lights flash for a minimum 24 seconds before the railway gate slowly lowers. The gate is completely closed five seconds before the train arrives.

001671-09_rail_crossing

So, there you have it: five ways traffic signals turn from green, yellow, red, and back to green. They’re pretty smart. Next time you’re waiting at a red light, don’t fret, it knows you’re there. You’ll be back on your way soon.

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