FmLcPmShK

To the average pedestrian poised impatient on the curb it may seem a simple matter to determine whether an intersection should have a traffic light. Actually, however, that is a decision of almost Ein- steinian difficulty according to Assistant Engineer John T. Gibala of the New York City police, who last week explained in Spring 3100 (New York police monthly) the formula he has devised to solve the problem. If 3,000 intersections need traffic lights, but there is money for only 150 his is a sure-fire way of learning which crossings need lights most.

[(((Fm*Fc+(Lm*Lc-:K))-:K))*(Sh^2-:Sc^2)]+[((Fm*Pm)-:K)*(Wm-:Wk)]+[((Fc* Pc)-:K)*(Wc-:Wk)]+A=IR*

Explanation; Fm vechicular flow on Main St.; for "peak hour"; Fc=ditto on Cross St.;Lm=left turns from Main St.;Lc= ditto from Cross St.;Pm= pedestrian flow across Main St.; rc = ditto across Cross St -Wm= Width of Mam St.; W. -width of Cross St; Sh -average speed of vehicles going faster than critical approach speed; So critical approach Speed K = derived constant; Wk -standard width of roadway; A = arbitrary values for special conditions; IR = composite intersection rating.

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