Multiple traffic signals on road

[NJ]

How many traffic signals have you seen being mouted total? I always think that maximum 2-3 traffic signals should be up only on multiple lanes.

4 traffic signals here... unnecessary!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0677329,-74.1757156,3a,75y,168.68h,81.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn4m8DZwlohaIXTLMusloaQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[Brandon]

Four?  Hahahahahahahaha!  That's not many.  I've seen six or seven at some intersections.

How about five for the through lane: https://goo.gl/maps/WhENUH6Cg8w

To be fair though, IDOT requires a minimum of three for the through movement and a minimum of two each for each turning movement.

[jakeroot]

I got four for a T-junction (S 4th @ Stadium, Tacoma), only one lane approaching the intersection:

To be fair though, IDOT requires a minimum of three for the through movement and a minimum of two each for each turning movement.

As overkill as it may end up being, I like this standard.

[Big John]

Counting the turn bays, eight: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4538422,-89.5088706,3a,75y,91.04h,88.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEMw7A8AesegRUciYeTvpfA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

[jeffandnicole]

How many traffic signals have you seen being mouted total? I always think that maximum 2-3 traffic signals should be up only on multiple lanes.

4 traffic signals here... unnecessary!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0677329,-74.1757156,3a,75y,168.68h,81.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn4m8DZwlohaIXTLMusloaQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Greatly helps with visibility though.

The standard is one per lane minimum, so a 3 or 4 lane road would have at least 3 or 4 lights anyway.

[NJ]

Four?  Hahahahahahahaha!  That's not many.  I've seen six or seven at some intersections.

How about five for the through lane: https://goo.gl/maps/WhENUH6Cg8w

To be fair though, IDOT requires a minimum of three for the through movement and a minimum of two each for each turning movement.

Those side signals a waste of money... unnecessary 

[NJ]

Counting the turn bays, eight: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4538422,-89.5088706,3a,75y,91.04h,88.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEMw7A8AesegRUciYeTvpfA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

The right turn (channelized road) could have had yield sign rather than traffic signal.

[PHLBOS]

How many traffic signals have you seen being mouted total? I always think that maximum 2-3 traffic signals should be up only on multiple lanes.

4 traffic signals here... unnecessary!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0677329,-74.1757156,3a,75y,168.68h,81.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn4m8DZwlohaIXTLMusloaQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Greatly helps with visibility though.

The standard is one per lane minimum, so a 3 or 4 lane road would have at least 3 or 4 lights anyway.

Two of the four signalheads in OP's example contain left-turn signals.  As you (Jeff) stated, the extra signal comes in handy in case an approaching vehicle making a left is behind a stopped truck whose height obstructs the signalhead over the lane.

The extra signal also helps when the bulb(s) in the other signalhead should burn out.

Given that the left-lane is for left-turns only; the single-row doghouse signalheads containing the green left-turn arrows doesn't really need to have the green ball signal next to it.  Either that or convert those 2 doghouse signalheads into Left RA-YA-GA heads.

[jeffandnicole]

How many traffic signals have you seen being mouted total? I always think that maximum 2-3 traffic signals should be up only on multiple lanes.

4 traffic signals here... unnecessary!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0677329,-74.1757156,3a,75y,168.68h,81.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn4m8DZwlohaIXTLMusloaQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Greatly helps with visibility though.

The standard is one per lane minimum, so a 3 or 4 lane road would have at least 3 or 4 lights anyway.

Two of the four signalheads in OP's example contain left-turn signals.  As you (Jeff) stated, the extra signal comes in handy in case an approaching vehicle making a left is behind a stopped truck whose height obstructs the signalhead over the lane.

The extra signal also helps when the bulb(s) in the other signalhead should burn out.

Given that the left-lane is for left-turns only; the single-row doghouse signalheads containing the green left-turn arrows doesn't really need to have the green ball signal next to it.  Either that or convert those 2 doghouse signalheads into Left RA-YA-GA heads.

Since the left turn movement has an advanced arrow, along with permission to turn left on a green ball, the setup is appropriate.

NJ has long used the 4 head tower, with the green/yellow arrow in the bottom spot.  Recently, there's been several applications of the inverted T that you see here, with the green/yellow arrow on the left.

[jakeroot]

Those side signals a waste of money... unnecessary 

People run red lights a lot because they can't see over the car in front of them. Side-mounted signals are hugely helpful. Overhead and side-mounted signals used together are the best combination, IMO.

Further, signals aren't that expensive. Not compared to the cost of the intersection as a whole.

[PHLBOS]

Since the left turn movement has an advanced arrow, along with permission to turn left on a green ball, the setup is appropriate.

NJ has long used the 4 head tower, with the green/yellow arrow in the bottom spot.  Recently, there's been several applications of the inverted T that you see here, with the green/yellow arrow on the left.

That being the case & if push came to shove, then one of the R-Y-G ball heads (probably the ground-mounted one w/the pedestrian signal) erected for the right-through lane could be (not saying would be) nixed.

[busman_49]

I posted this elsewhere, but it fits here...

A standard off-ramp intersection has two signals for each direction on the main road; the two lame ramp has SIX signals facing it.
I-75 SB exit to Cincinnati-Dayton Rd (2) by Ryan busman_49, on Flickr

I would cut out at least two of those and space them differently.

[SignGeek101]

There's eight on this one.

https://goo.gl/maps/6pS7rtPBVqN2

[Revive 755]

How many traffic signals have you seen being mouted total? I always think that maximum 2-3 traffic signals should be up only on multiple lanes.

4 traffic signals here... unnecessary!
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0677329,-74.1757156,3a,75y,168.68h,81.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn4m8DZwlohaIXTLMusloaQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

The Illinois Commerce Commission (which regulates railroads and grade crossings in Illinois) seems to now be requiring four heads just for a right turn lane next to a railroad.

[Road Hog]

I think one per lane (including left turn lanes) is fine. Right turn lane, it depends on your state and if right turns on red are OK. In Texas, they are, which makes right turn traffic signals superfluous. But I still see them and they show green right arrow while the incoming lane has a left arrow.

[jeffandnicole]

I think one per lane (including left turn lanes) is fine. Right turn lane, it depends on your state and if right turns on red are OK. In Texas, they are, which makes right turn traffic signals superfluous. But I still see them and they show green right arrow while the incoming lane has a left arrow.

It's "Right Turns On Red Permitted When Safe", not "You May Turn Right On Red Without Stopping".  A signal is still appropriate, as there may not be a chance to turn.  Also, some vehicles are not permitted to turn right on red at any time.

[jakeroot]

No.  Because except in cities, there's rarely a pedestrian around.  And unless they aren't being reported, pedestrian injuries and deaths from someone turning right on red is a rarity. 

Most people do give pedestrians the right of way.  You only remember the vehicles that don't.

Try telling that to the living streets folks. Slip lanes are disappearing with rapid pace here in Washington because of the perceived danger to pedestrians. The only thing that seems acceptable anymore is to signalize the slip lane. This isn't that unreasonable (just leave the turn lane in FYA mode except when a pedestrian arrives, and then the light goes red -- no turn on red signs should be posted). The only difference between what exists now, and this, is that the pedestrian gets absolute right-of-way for about 10 seconds, instead of however long they are actually crossing. In terms of traffic flow, the difference is negligible. But to the pedestrian, it's a massive change (for the better).

[roadman65]

I lived in NJ where in many places up to five heads scattered were used.  In fact also California and Illinois uses extra ones mounted to the sides in addition to the overhead mounts. Although seems to be cluttered  CalTrans (at least the ones in LA area) are only 3 for through and two for left turns, and same for Illinois.

NJ on divided highways have signal heads on multiple mast arms.  Some have two in the median with side mounts to them. Then a near side right mast arm and the normal right side mast arm on the far side.  NJ seems to be the only state that has more than four mast arms at one given intersection of two roads meeting.

[Bruce]

4 signals for 2 lanes on WA-20 Spur in Anacortes:

https://www.google.com/maps/@48.4996482,-122.6741471,3a,75y,262.41h,85.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXq__Y0jesNRR1mZqWLYmdA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

[roadman65]

4 signals for 2 lanes on WA-20 Spur in Anacortes:

https://www.google.com/maps/@48.4996482,-122.6741471,3a,75y,262.41h,85.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXq__Y0jesNRR1mZqWLYmdA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

The straight through needs two to fulfill the MUTCD.  The right turn could be scaled back to one though. 

I have seen one in Florida that had three lanes each going three different directions.  The left turn signal had one head as it only needs one, the straight through lane had two as per MUTCD as well.  Then the right turn signal (yes one that let you go right if the side roads left turn protected left was activated) had only one.  In essence two of the three had one signal per lane, but one had two all because of the two per through requirement and the one per lane for turn signals.  Anyway all seem odd there.

[UCFKnights]

Here's 5 for 1 left turn lane:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6175871,-82.3850285,3a,73.6y,318.69h,80.84t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sJPVdKe-fBfs8RkAIObKCDA!2e0!5s20110401T000000!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

They did move the right turn lane from that ramp with a stop sign to meet at the signal. Sadly, still no second left turn lane, it needed it back then (as seen in the picture), still needs it today, and they're building a Bass Pro Shops to the left now, but still no second left in sight. Anything beat 5 per lane?

[MASTERNC]

Here is four for two left turn lanes

https://goo.gl/maps/EVkcK45NAxr

[Ian]

Here is four for two left turn lanes

https://goo.gl/maps/EVkcK45NAxr

Similar situation here at the intersection of PA 100 and PA 113 in Lionville.
https://goo.gl/maps/xBt4LkNTLpB2

Seems to be a recurring thing in Pennsylvania though...
https://goo.gl/maps/7ojiXB4zkPM2

[jakeroot]

The buttons are responsive. But they're not going to be snappy.  There's still a whole thing about the traffic light cycling properly and timely.  Or think of it another way...if the opposing direction has a walk signal, and you press your walk signal, should the opposing direction's signal immediately go to a solid "Don't Walk", leaving a pedestrian in the middle of the street?

I think the conversation was focused more on right turn slips than other movements (and whether or not they should be signalized). Right turn slips can more easily be run independently than any other movement, though there should be some black-out times (like when there's an opposing left turn, leaving right-turning traffic basically protected).

[jakeroot]

Due to the unique nature of the interchange, this half SPUI gets 8 signals, two for each lane. Unlike other examples, this design is necessary because the front-most cars cannot see the closer set of signal faces, so a supplementary face for each lane is necessary...

NE 116 St @ I-405, Kirkland, Washington