Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has developed a new web application with a pre-populated database that consolidates information about 8,700 traffic signals on state routes, as part of its strategy to improve the management of traffic signals.

This web application will serve as a one-stop electronic information warehouse that will make it easier for PennDOT, municipalities and planning partners to oversee operations and improvements to the signals.

PennDOT secretary Leslie S Richards said: “Our traffic operations team has worked incredibly long and hard with our district staff and local partners to assemble the best available traffic signal data for this database.

"Properly maintained and operated signals make a huge difference in traffic flow and this is one way we can effectively address congestion short of adding expensive new capacity."

"This free tool puts this information in one easily accessible spot and will make a huge difference as we and our partners make ongoing improvements to signals and traffic flow.

“We offer this web application at no cost to municipalities or planning partners.

"This important new tool will help us identify traffic signal needs and better plan for future improvements.

"Properly maintained and operated signals make a huge difference in traffic flow and this is one way we can effectively address congestion short of adding expensive new capacity.”

Before the creation of the new web application, which is also known as the Traffic Signals Asset Management System (TSAMS), traffic signal information was scattered among paper records at a variety of locations.

PennDOT traffic operations staff along with local partners gathered information on signal equipment, locations and connections to populate the database.

It includes a GIS mapping interface and can accept additional data over time on signals at intersections that are located on state routes and local roads.

Besides signals, other assets such as electronic signs, flashing warning devices, and school zone speed limit signs can also be added to the database.

This system is available to municipalities, planning partners and contractors or consultants working on their behalf. Users will, however, have access to the web application only on using their existing engineering and construction management system account.