signaalroute

Signaalroute, also known as a priority traffic corridor, is a concept used in traffic management to improve the flow of vehicles along selected arterial roads by giving them preferential treatment at traffic signals. The term originates from Dutch traffic engineering practice, where “signaal” refers to signalised intersections and “route” to the designated road corridor. A signaalroute typically connects major destinations such as city centers, industrial zones, hospitals, or transport hubs, and is intended to reduce travel time, congestion, and emissions for through‑traffic while maintaining safety at junctions.

Implementation involves synchronising traffic lights along the corridor so that a vehicle traveling at a prescribed speed can encounter consecutive green phases, a principle known as “green wave.” In some cases, adaptive traffic control systems adjust signal timings in real time based on sensor data, giving higher priority to the designated route during peak periods. Additional measures may include dedicated lanes, traffic‑signal pre‑emption for emergency vehicles, and coordination with public‑transport priority schemes.

The effectiveness of a signaalroute depends on several factors: the accuracy of traffic demand forecasts, the chosen speed profile, the spacing of intersections, and the flexibility of the control system. Studies in several European cities have shown reductions in average travel time of 10‑20 % on corridors equipped with signal coordination, along with lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Critics argue that optimising a single route can shift congestion to side streets and disadvantage local traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. Consequently, modern implementations often incorporate multimodal considerations and dynamic routing algorithms to balance the needs of all road users while preserving the benefits of a signaalroute.