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A Resolution Approving a Task Order with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. for Professional Transportation Engineering Services for a Traffic Signal Modification Study in an Amount Not to Exceed $247,128 and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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The Engineering Division requested a proposal from Civiltech Engineering to provide transportation engineering services to review the 41 traffic signals within the Village and develop signal timing, phasing, and equipment modification recommendations to improve pedestrian mobility and safety including the use of leading pedestrian intervals and pedestrian recall when practical. Civiltech is currently under a Master Agreement with the Village for on-call transportation engineering services using a task order system. Civiltech submitted a proposal with an estimate not to exceed the amount of $247,128.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action:
• On July 16, 2024, the Board approved a Three-Year Master Agreement with an Option to Renew the Agreement for up to Two Additional One-Year Periods with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. for Professional Transportation Engineering Services (RES 24-247).
Background
Improving pedestrian safety and mobility at the signalized intersection through the use of leading pedestrian interval (LPI) and pedestrian recall, when appropriate, is a recommendation in the Vision Zero Plan (VZP). LPI is a low-cost way to improve pedestrian safety by changing the signal timing settings to allow pedestrians to enter the crosswalk in an intersection before any green lights are given to a vehicle, reducing the risk of conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. As a result, pedestrians are more visible to vehicles and LPI increases the likelihood that drivers will yield to pedestrians. LPIs do take away green time from vehicular traffic, which should be evaluated and programmed into revised traffic signal timing plans to minimize impacts on traffic congestion. LPIs also require more modern traffic signal controllers and need to be installed at intersections that have accessible pedestrian signals with audible indicators so that people with disabilities know when to cross.
Pedestrian recall is a traffic signal setting that does not require pedestrians to push the button in order to activate the “Walk” signal. Pedestrians would automatically get a “Walk” signal during any time of day when the pedestrian recall is enabled. The push button equipment will still need to be in place in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and meet the vibrotactile requirements for pedestrians who have both visual and hearing loss. Pedestrian recall can reduce delays for pedestrians and decrease the likelihood that pedestrians cross when they are not supposed to. Pedestrian recall can significantly impact the flow of vehicular traffic, especially if coupled with LPI. When and where pedestrian recall should be used must be evaluated to ensure there are no unintended consequences including congestion, aggressive driving, and cut-through traffic. The use of pedestrian recall will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for using pedestrian recall settings at all times (the default assumption), at certain times of the day, or recommending against the use of pedestrian recall at a given intersection. Unlike LPI, implementing pedestrian recall settings does not generally require physical infrastructure improvements.
The proposed traffic signal modification study will review the existing 41 Village-maintained traffic signals to develop signal timing, phasing, and equipment modification recommendations to improve pedestrian mobility and safety, including implementations of LPIs and pedestrian recall when appropriate. The study will collect current traffic data at the signals to optimize the timing for vehicles while implementing pedestrian improvements. The study will also review existing traffic signal infrastructure to develop recommendations for where infrastructure will need improvements to implement pedestrian improvements such as upgrading traffic signal controllers or pedestrian signals. Ultimately, the study will include short-term recommendations for signal timing changes, implementations of pedestrian recall, and implementation of LPI where equipment allows for its use. Other recommendations will be prioritized in the study for signal modifications which may require physical infrastructure investments. These will likely include short and mid-term recommendations where there are minor investments needed for upgrading controllers or coordinating with IDOT for the IDOT-owned signals on Ridgeland and Washington. Longer-term recommendations would be for signals that need significant infrastructure to be improved in order to implement LPIs or more advanced detection equipment. Cost estimates will be developed with the recommendations so that they can be programmed out as part of future capital improvement plans and budgets as needed.
Following completion of the study, short-term and lower-cost recommendations would be implemented using the remaining budget for this project in late 2025 or 2026.
Timing Considerations
Approval of the Task Order at this time will allow for the study to be completed and recommendations implemented in 2025 or incorporated into future budgets.
Budget Impact
The FY25 Budget includes $300,000 for the traffic signal retiming study and modifications in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works - Engineering, Traffic Signal Management account no. 3095.43780.101.570971.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The intent of the study is to improve pedestrian mobility and safety through the use of pedestrian recall (automatically getting a walk signal) and leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) while minimizing potential traffic-related congestion. Pedestrian recall and LPIs increase safety for vulnerable communities such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or mobility challenges when crossing the street at signalized intersections. Historically, traffic designs often favored vehicles over pedestrians, and LPIs help to rebalance that focus, ensuring safer, more equitable infrastructure for all users.
Community Input
This project is part of the recommendations from the Vision Zero Plan which was reviewed and approved by the Transportation Commission.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution, which will allow for the work to start for developing signal timing revisions and recommendations to improve pedestrian mobility and safety.
Advantages:
• This Task Order will allow for the procurement of needed services to make improvements for pedestrians.
Disadvantages:
• The Task Order will require $247,128 in funds.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• Board Members will receive a presentation with any additional information requested.
Disadvantages:
• The timing of the eventual Board action could impact the desired implementation schedule.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the resolution.
Advantages:
• Potential cost savings of $247,128.
Disadvantages:
• Misalignment with the recommendations in the Vision Zero Plan.
Anticipated Future Actions
The study will likely have recommendations that require infrastructure improvements at some signalized intersections in order to implement leading pedestrian intervals or other pedestrian and bike enhancements. Staff will include proposed projects for improving signal infrastructure as part of the future 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and budget process.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Task Order
3. Task Order Attachment A - Proposal
4. Master Agreement