What does coordination timing in traffic signals establish?

Coordination timing in traffic signals is designed to create a timing relationship between adjacent traffic signals. This coordination allows multiple signals along a corridor to work together, improving traffic flow and minimizing stops. When traffic signals are timed to change in a sequence that allows vehicles to move efficiently along a route, it reduces congestion and improves overall traffic management.

By ensuring that the signal changes are timed in relation to nearby signals, vehicles can often move continuously through intersections rather than stopping at each one, especially at green lights. This coordination is particularly important on major roadways where traffic volumes are generally higher and can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Other options provided focus on specific aspects of traffic signals that do not encompass the holistic approach of coordination timing. For instance, maintaining a consistent transition between red and green signals deals more with the individual operation of a single traffic signal rather than the relationship between multiple signals. Synchronizing with airport patterns or fixing light durations also do not reflect the core purpose of establishing timing relationships that facilitate smoother vehicular movement through interconnected traffic signals.