FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2016
 
Contact: Lauren Laake (832) 393-3008

 
Royal Forest Drive Traffic Signal Removal Study to Begin Monday
 
Houston, TX - On Monday, March 28 the City of Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department (PWE) will begin to conduct a traffic study at the intersections of Kingwood Drive at Loop 494, Royal Forest Drive, Chestnut Ridge, Green Oak as well as Rockmead Drive and Rock Falls.The purpose of the traffic study is to evaluate the removal of the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest Drive and to improve the overall traffic progression in the area. PWE will begin the study by examining sight distance, traffic volumes, travel times, and accident history. This portion of the study will take approximately two weeks and is not expected to impact traffic flow.
 
Traffic signals can remedy many safety and operational problems at intersections. However, signals can also adversely affect intersections and overall areas. It is possible that a signal may no longer be warranted due to changes in traffic conditions or original unsuitable conditions such as geometric characteristics and/or proximity to other signalized intersections or facilities. In this case, PWE will take a close look at these four traffic signals that are placed within about a mile of roadway in an effort to examine whether traffic patterns can be improved through the removal of the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest Drive.
 
Once the preliminary data has been collected the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest will be turned off and bagged so that the traffic heading eastbound and westbound can pass through the intersection freely. Once the traffic signal has been bagged the community will see "Traffic Control Change Ahead" signs in the area, alerting drivers to the intersection modifications at the intersection. Additionally, the nearby traffic signals will be adjusted to accommodate the change. Finally, stop signs will be installed temporarily on Royal Forest Drive. The new traffic changes are expected to be in place for a minimum of 90 days in order to make sure that adequate data is collected.
 
After the 90 day examination period has concluded, PWE will evaluate the data based on travel time, stops and delay during morning, midday, and evening peak hours between the Eastex Freeway and Green Oak Drive. These data points will measure the level of service improvement at Royal Forest Drive by comparing the signalized intersection to the modified one-way stop control conditions. PWE will also conduct a second level of service comparison at other intersections verifying no significant negative impact after traffic control modification at Royal Forest Drive has occurred. Additionally, a safety impact analysis will be examined comparing crash data to assure no increase in crash incidents at the subject location or adjacent intersections have been impacted by the modified traffic patterns.
 
For more information on these projects, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at [email protected].
 
 
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Council Member Dave Martin City of Houston | 900 Bagby | Houston | TX | 77002