How is the duration of each signal phase typically determined?

The duration of each signal phase is primarily determined by analyzing traffic volume data and considering the intersection's design. This approach allows for a dynamic response to varying traffic conditions, facilitating efficient traffic flow and enhancing safety for both vehicles and pedestrians at intersections.

Traffic volume data provides insights into peak times and levels of congestion, enabling traffic engineers to adjust signal timings accordingly to better accommodate the number of vehicles or pedestrians present. Furthermore, the design of the intersection, such as the number of lanes, the presence of turning movements, and the layout, influences how long each phase should be to optimize clearance times and minimize delays.

In contrast, fixed time intervals ignore real-time traffic conditions, making them ineffective during varied traffic situations. Local weather conditions may impact driving safety but do not dictate the fundamental timing of traffic signals, while relying solely on the time of day fails to account for fluctuating traffic patterns that occur throughout the day.