Course Overview

Developed by the Ontario Traffic Council, this comprehensive online course provides Ontario practitioners with an in-depth understanding of the design, operation, and justification of traffic control signals based on the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 12 – Traffic Signals (2024 Edition).

About the Course

The Ontario Traffic Council’s OTM Book 12 Online Training offers an essential, structured exploration of traffic signal principles, planning, design, and operation. The course is built directly on the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 12 (2024 Edition), which reflects the latest updates in legislation, design standards, and operational practices. It also integrates the former Book 12A Bicycle Signals, now included as part of the complete Book 12 framework.
Through five sequential modules, this self-paced training equips participants with the foundational and applied knowledge to plan, design, and operate safe and efficient traffic signal systems that align with Ontario’s legal, technical, and accessibility standards.

Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for:

• Engineers, planners, and technologists involved in traffic signal design and operations
• Municipal and regional transportation staff responsible for traffic control and signal maintenance
• Engineering consultants and contractors specializing in roadway and intersection design
• Public works and operations professionals seeking to strengthen technical knowledge
• Practitioners responsible for interpreting and applying OTM standards in real-world projects

The course is designed for both new and experienced professionals who want to stay current with modern traffic signal practices, legislative changes, and OTM guidance.

What You’ll Learn

The OTM Book 12 Online Training consists of five modules that mirror the structure of the manual. Each module includes case studies, exercises, and quizzes to reinforce comprehension.

Module 1 – Traffic Signals: An Introduction
Introduces the structure and purpose of OTM Book 12, defining key concepts such as traffic control signals, systems, and signal heads. Reviews the legal hierarchy of ‘shall’, ‘should’, and ‘may’ statements and outlines the primary legislative and regulatory requirements under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act and Regulation 626.

Module 2 – Traffic Signal Operations
Explores modes of signalized intersection control, including fixed-time, semi-actuated, and fully actuated systems. Examines isolated versus coordinated operations, flashing operations, and advanced topics such as left-turn, pedestrian, and bicycle phasing. Learners gain an understanding of how operational modes affect safety, delay, and efficiency.

Module 3 – Traffic Signal Timing
Covers the methods used to determine green, amber, and all-red interval timings for vehicular and pedestrian movements. Introduces pedestrian clearance time calculations, minimum interval timing principles, and formulas for determining amber and all-red clearance intervals. Participants learn how timing decisions impact safety and traffic performance.

Module 4 – Traffic Signal Design
Presents best practices for traffic signal design to ensure visibility, safety, and compliance. Topics include signal head placement, mounting height, visibility distance, pedestrian signal design (including AODA requirements), and the integration of accessible pedestrian signals (APS). The module also covers auxiliary heads, backboards, and flasher systems for unique intersection layouts.

Module 5 – Traffic Signal Planning and Justification
Explains how to assess when and where traffic signals are warranted. Reviews the seven official signal justifications: minimum vehicle volume, delay to cross traffic, volume/delay combination, minimum four-hour volume, collision experience, pedestrian volume and delay, and projected volumes. Participants learn how to perform data collection, apply warrant analysis, and use engineering judgment in decision-making.

Course Format

This self-paced, online training is divided into five on-demand modules delivered through OTC’s learning management system. Each module features:

• Engaging presentations with real-world case studies and examples
• Explanations of key legislative and technical requirements
• Practical exercises and quizzes for self-assessment
• Recommended external resources for deeper learning
• Modules can be completed individually or sequentially, allowing participants to progress at their own pace and revisit materials as needed.
• Why Take the Course
• Stay Current: Learn from the most up-to-date edition of OTM Book 12, reflecting 2024 legislative and design updates.
• Build Competence: Strengthen your ability to plan, design, and operate signalized intersections safely and efficiently.
• Improve Safety: Understand timing, phasing, and design decisions that reduce conflicts and collisions.
• Promote Consistency: Apply uniform practices across Ontario to enhance public safety and driver predictability.
• Advance Your Expertise: Deepen your technical and regulatory understanding to make informed engineering judgments.