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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Vigil

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

2/21/2007

HM 36

SHORT TITLE

Study Flashing Green Traffic Light

SB

ANALYST Moser

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY07

FY08

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

NM Department of Transportation (NMDOT)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of House Memorial

House Memorial 36 requests NMDOT to study the feasibility of utilizing of a flashing green

light to warn motorists of an impending traffic signal phase change (green to yellow).

Additionally the Memorial requires a report to an appropriate interim legislative committee by

November 30, 2007.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

The proposed flashing green light does not meet MUTCD or AASHTO guidelines, and as such,

the NMDOT and municipalities throughout the State may run the risk of having to return federal

participating funds utilized in signal construction/installation.

The NMDOT maintains approximately 600 signals throughout the State. The cost for signal

construction can vary from $150,000 to $350,000 per intersection. Using an average figure of

$250,000 per intersection places an approximate aggregate of $150,000,000 of previous funding

at risk of having to be returned.

House Memorial 36 – Page

2

Recognizing that this bill requires a feasibility study and not a directive, the costs would be

limited to those associated with performing the study. However, in the event the proposed

flashing green light were to be incorporated at controlled intersections, the costs to retrofit every

signal controller in the State would be significant.

Other costs associated with the proposed change (i.e., retrofitting) are unknown at this time given

that existing signal controllers are currently not designed to perform in the suggested manner.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

System performance implications include the introduction of elements outside the existing

system’s capability. Whether a traffic light controller can be reprogrammed to perform in the

suggested manner, or whether the system would have to be supplemented with additional

hardware is not currently known. Both options carry significant implications, not only with

respect to system performance, but also as to the staff resources required to implement the

change and support and maintain the same.

CONFLICT, DUPLICATION, COMPANIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP

The proposed flashing green light signal does not comply with MUTCD standards and AASHTO

guidelines. State law (66-7-101) and certain Administrative Directives require NMDOT to

comply with both. This bill, if passed, would require resolution of this apparent conflict.

GM/mt