SNUG Forum - Recent Topics

What do you think of the forum topics?

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:09:10 +0000

2018-08-09 12:07:14

Topic: What do you think of the forum topics?

Hi All,

What do you think of the forum section topics?
Do you think we should have more topics, or should we change the existing topics around a bit?

Please feel free to comment.

And if you want to see what others think, tick the 'subscribe to this topic' option at the bottom.

Best Practice

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:06:38 +0000

By bridget.feary 2020-12-07 09:03:11

Topic: Best Practice

We are looking to identify current best practice for a regional local authority for the following issues, does anyone have any commentary or advice regarding best practice when designing the following:

- Sawcutting for detector loops – the concern is the angle detector loops are bent in the figure 8 configuration and how any changes to sawcutting patterns will affect wearing course integrity. Does anyone have any advice/experience on issues with surfacing integrity when sawcutting or detector loop failure because of installation/bending issues?

- Chamber sizes and lid types - They have had difficulty installing standard size chambers due to conflicts with services and have had H&S issues with contractors manually lifting heavy chamber lids. Does anyone have any advice/experience on alternative chamber designs and lighter lids which are still trafficable?

- Milling of surfacing cutting off detector loop tails. Has anyone looked at adding an extra junction box within the carriageway to protect detector loop tails?

- On-road cycle detection – has anyone specified/trialled or designed on-road cycle detection with camera detection and a back up push button only?

- What controller types have been specified around the country and how do they perform? Does anyone have any advice/information on the controller types used in their jurisdiction and their benefits/performance?

SNUG Name

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:04:34 +0000

2022-06-07 11:58:23

Topic: SNUG Name

Over the last few years the question has been asked whether the name SNUG is still appropriate for us.

Although our guiding principles are still relevant, some consider that our name is a bit dated, and that we should consider rebranding.

So what do you think?

Please post your ideas on this topic thread, and also give feedback on the other ideas suggested.

Earth Loop Impedance Tests

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:55:31 +0000

By adrian.larkins 2018-09-04 19:46:05

Topic: Earth Loop Impedance Tests

As an electrician why do we not specify Earth Loop Impedance tests per pole on a regular basis ?

Its the only true way to determine if the Earth Fault Loop is sufficiently low to ensure the Fault current protection will trip.

PSC spares

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:53:58 +0000

By Blair McKeever 2020-07-24 18:08:20

Topic: PSC spares

Does anyone have or know of a supply of spares for older PSC controllers? We are specifically after site ID cards and flasher units. Good condition second hand is fine. We still have several older controllers and are running short of a few spares...

Cheers,
Blair

Should we allow filter-turning through cycleway movements?

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:50:03 +0000

By MeganGregory 2018-11-05 16:35:33

Topic: Should we allow filter-turning through cycleway movements?

At the 2018 SNUG workshop, Megan gave a presentation on the possibility of allowing vehicles to filter-turn through cycle movements coming from protected cycleways, and Axel led a discussion afterwards. We’d like to continue this discussion on the SNUG forum – the following are some discussion points that were raised, and ViaStrada’s current stance, you’re invited to suggest an alternative position, and also raise other related points that you feel should be considered.

The group seems generally supportive of trialing filter-turning across cycle movements from separated cycleways provided the location is suitable, and the treatment includes partial protection plus some indication to drivers to remind them to first give way to cyclists.

ViaStrada proposes a flashing yellow arrow, as used in New York City.

Someone raised the concern that flashing yellow already means “caution”.

ViaStrada suggests that “caution” is a good attitude to apply to filter-turning, as it reminds drivers to look for and give way to cyclists.

* The road code teaches “A flashing yellow signal means the traffic signals are not working. In this case, you must apply the give way rules for uncontrolled intersections.”
* The flashing yellow arrow would be the only flashing yellow aspect at the intersection, therefore distinguishing the situation from that where all signals were in flashing yellow mode and give way rules apply to everyone.
* The flashing yellow arrows would be applied to turns across a cycleway – the only movements they’d have to give way to would be cyclists and pedestrians (and potentially opposing traffic, if the flashing yellow arrow were applied against a right turn).
* The device would need to be accompanied by promotion / education.

Someone suggested using a flashing green arrow instead of a flashing yellow arrow.

ViaStrada is worried that drivers will think “green means go” and assume they have a protected turn, even if the signal is flashing.

* This pre-conception is riskier than the pre-conception that flashing yellow means caution and would likely be more difficult to address with promotion / education.
* No other country is known to use flashing green arrows to indicate filter turning. NCHRP Research Report 493 details how five signal displays for “protected / permissive” (i.e. full / filter) turn control were evaluated; flashing green arrows were not considered, and flashing yellow arrows were identified as preferred. In eastern Canada, flashing green discs can be used to indicate a protected turn, but these are being replaced with steady green arrows.

Where would a flashing yellow arrow be integrated in a traditional display?

In the USA, it is necessary to provide the flashing yellow arrow as a separate aspect to the steady yellow arrow – ViaStrada suggests NZ should adopt this principle, as it would help distinguish the flashing yellow arrow.

Therefore, the flashing yellow arrow would be located below the regular yellow arrow. In most locations, it is unlikely that the turn would be operated sometimes as a filter and sometimes as fully protected, so it is unlikely that a green arrow would be required. If there is need for a green arrow, it could be incorporated in the same aspect as the flashing yellow arrow (using LEDs), or as a separate aspect below the flashing yellow arrow aspect (less ideal, as this would result in a non-standard 4-aspect signal column).

An alternative to using flashing arrows was suggested: yellow road studs indicating cyclists approaching.

ViaStrada considers this would be a good complementary treatment, but it may not be directly associated with filter turning.

* Significant education, and possibly supplementary signage, would be required.

Another alternative suggested was having a flashing yellow bike symbol (similar to the cyclist-activated warning signs used on narrow bridges).

In Germany, a flashing beacon with pedestrian and / or cycle symbol (“schutzblinker”) can be applied at intersections where turning traffic filters across a pedestrian crosswalk or cycle movement. Flashing yellow beacons are used in Denver at non-signalised intersections along a pilot cycleway corridor.

ViaStrada suggests that such a device may be a better alternative to flashing yellow arrows than yellow road studs, as it would include a cycle symbol and therefore make the point of the flashing clearer to motorists.

Wait Extinguish – Ped Lanterns – Red Man

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:42:45 +0000

2018-11-08 14:45:48

Topic: Wait Extinguish – Ped Lanterns – Red Man

One of the topics discussed at SNUG in Hamilton was the Wait Extinguish.
Should we be keeping the red man lit at all times (except during 'walk' time), or should we be continuing with the current practice of dropping a few seconds after the clearance time is finished?

Signalised crossing LED strips

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:39:43 +0000

By chris.bealing 2021-08-05 10:05:05

Topic: Signalised crossing LED strips

Hi Everyone,

I am looking into LED strip lights/illuminated tactiles for pedestrian crossings to combat pedestrian distraction (phone zombies). Has anyone done any research or installed something like this at any intersection? I want to know if they had the desired outcome or whether they were a waste of time. I have seen a few places overseas that have installed them but there doesn't appear to be any follow up on the outcome of the trials. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

Pedestrian gates at signals

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:37:49 +0000

By chris.bealing 2021-09-23 09:19:34

Topic: Pedestrian gates at signals

Good Morning All,

I have been asked to look into the possibility of having automatic pedestrian gates at a signalised intersection crossing a 100kmh road. What I am interested in, is if anyone has any knowledge of a similar type of install anywhere in NZ or the world for that matter.

I have been doing some googling and as yet have come up empty handed as it seems this type of treatment is reserved for rail crossings with high numbers of pedestrians.

I am also keen to hear peoples thoughts on the idea, whether you think it is a great or stupid idea all feedback is welcomed.

Regards

Chris

Traffic Signals - Advance Detection

Sean.Lewis — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:34:55 +0000

By Sergio Prieto 2018-08-13 10:40:56

Topic: Traffic Signals - Advance Detection

If anyone need the Snug Discussion Document for Traffic Signals - Advance Detection Version 1.3 presented at the mini Snug meeting on the 20 February 2018, please let me know , Michael Daley or myself can forward it to you.