Beyond Signal Warrants: FDOT’s New Intersection Control Evaluation Policy

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has implemented a new policy requiring planners and engineers to go beyond traditional signal warrants when planning for new intersections. This new policy, outlined in the FDOT 2024 Manual on Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE), signifies a shift towards a more comprehensive, context-sensitive approach to intersection design.

Moving Beyond Traditional Signal Warrants

Traditionally, engineers and planners have defaulted to fully signalizing an intersection when specific conditions, such as minimum traffic volumes or pedestrian activity, were met. This approach largely ignored other types of intersections—including roundabouts, partially-signalized intersections, and intersections with turn prohibitions.

FDOT’s New Intersection Control Evaluation Policy: A Holistic Approach to Intersection Design

Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive evaluation process, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has introduced the Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) policy. ICE mandates a performance-based approach, considering various factors, including safety, traffic flow, cost, and social, environmental, and economic impacts.

When is ICE Required?

The ICE process is triggered whenever:

• A new intersection is planned on a state road
• An existing intersection with a state road is proposed for substantial modification
• When requested by FDOT or local jurisdiction reviewers

The Three Stages of ICE

The ICE procedure consists of three distinct stages to ensure that the level of effort is proportionate to the questions being asked at each stage of planning for an intersection.

• Stage 1: Screening/Preliminary Analysis: This initial stage involves identifying potential intersection control strategies using free tools like the Capacity Analysis for Planning of Junctions (CAP-X) Tool and the Safety Performance for Intersection Control Evaluation (SPICE) Tool. These tools help assess the operational and safety performance of different intersection control strategies.
• Stage 2: Detailed Analysis: Stage 2 requires a more in-depth analysis of the options considered suitable in Stage 1. This includes detailed analyses of factors like traffic operations, safety performance, costs, multimodal accommodations (pedestrian, bicycle, transit), environmental impacts, utility impacts, right-of-way impacts, and potentially public input.
• Stage 3: Supplemental Analysis: This final stage is triggered if Stage 2 fails to identify a single preferred strategy. It involves a more comprehensive assessment, likely involving more detailed cost estimation, environmental impact assessment, public engagement, and coordination with stakeholders.

Prioritizing Safety and Multimodal Transportation

The ICE manual emphasizes the importance of considering all road users, not just vehicles. The policy promotes incorporating multimodal accommodations, such as pedestrian crossings, bicycle facilities, and transit stops, into the intersection design. This focus on multimodal transportation aims to enhance safety and accessibility for everyone using the intersection.

The ICE procedure represents a significant step forward in intersection design and evaluation. By moving beyond traditional signal warrants and embracing a more comprehensive, context-sensitive approach, FDOT aims to create safer, more efficient, and more accessible intersections for all users.

Resources to Get You Started

FDOT anticipates the ICE policy to receive wide adoption give Florida’s rapid growth. Luckily, FDOT is making it easier for engineers and planners to get started with ICE.

Check out these great resources published by FDOT to get a first glimpse of how your project can meet this new requirement: