Royal Forest Drive Traffic Signal Removal Study Phase Two

  

Houston, TX - Beginning on Monday, July 11 the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department (PWE) will begin placing traffic control modification advisory signage along Royal Forest Drive and Kingwood Drive in advance of phase two of the Royal Forest Drive Traffic Signal Removal study.

  

Phase one of this study began in March of this year with a traffic study conducted by PWE at the intersections of Kingwood Drive at Loop 494, Royal Forest Drive, Chestnut Ridge, Green Oak as well as Rockmead Drive and Rock Falls. The purpose of phase one of the study was to evaluate the possible removal of the traffic signal at Kingwood Drive and Royal Forest Drive to improve the overall traffic progression in the area. Phase one of the study has now been completed and Public Works and Engineering is preparing to begin phase two, which is to turn off the traffic signal at Royal Forest Drive.

  

Traffic signals can remedy many safety and operational problems at intersections. However, signals can also adversely affect intersections and overall areas. It is possible that a signal may no longer be warranted due to changes in traffic conditions or original unsuitable conditions such as geometric characteristics and/or proximity to other signalized intersections or facilities.

  

During phase two of the study, which begins on Monday, August 1 and ends Friday, September 30, the existing traffic signal will not be operational and instead, stop signs will be placed on both approaches on Royal Forest. Traffic on Kingwood drive will NOT stop at this intersection during this study and should continue through the intersection as if there were no signal. The westbound left turn lane on Kingwood Drive will be closed while the left turn movement will be allowed from the existing far left through lane.

Proper warning and regulatory signage will be in place at and in advance to the intersection to properly inform roadway users of these temporary modifications. In case of any immediate negative findings during the first portion of phase two of the study, normal signalized control can be restored if determined that is necessary. Our office has coordinated with the Houston Police Department and requested a Mobile Response Team to monitor this area as an added safety measure for the first week of phase two implementation. This is only a study as PWE will use the data to determine the feasibility of removing this signal on a permanent basis. Our goal is to decrease the amount of congestion between US HWY 59 to Green Oak Drive that exists during morning and evening peak hours.

   

If you have any questions or would like to discuss more in detail the scope of this study, please feel free to forward your comments to the Traffic Hotline at (832) 395-3000 or [email protected]. Should you wish to contact the District E office directly you may call us at (832) 393-3008 or email [email protected].