A warrant analysis answers “could a signal be justified?” — ICE answers the better question: “which control performs best here?” FDOT requires an ICE when intersection control decisions are on the table (new signals, control changes, major intersection projects) — scope and applicability per the current FDOT Manual on Intersection Control Evaluation (released annually via TEO bulletin; 2026 edition is Bulletin 25-02) #status/verify applicability triggers against the current ICE Manual and TEM.
What it is
A documented, staged comparison of intersection control alternatives (signal, roundabout, RCUT/median U-turn, other alternative intersections, stop control) on safety, operations, cost, and impacts — so the selected control is defended by performance, not habit. Expect the reviewer to ask for the ICE form before discussing your signal recommendation.
Stages
- Stage 1 — Screening: planning-level pass over all viable alternatives; kill the non-starters cheaply. This is where CAP-X (v/c) and SPICE (safety) live.
- Stage 2 — Alternative selection: refined operational analysis (HCM/Synchro-level), site-calibrated SPICE crash prediction, cost via FDOT’s economic tool (FEAT), leading to a preferred control.
- Stage 3 — Supplemental: only if Stage 2 can’t isolate a single preferred strategy — deeper cost/impact/stakeholder analysis.
#status/verify stage names and triggers against the current ICE Manual
Roundabout-first culture
The practical effect of ICE in Florida: roundabouts must be given genuine first consideration, and “we didn’t look at a roundabout” is no longer an acceptable study posture #status/verify exact policy language in the current ICE Manual. Know the counterarguments that actually hold (ROW, ped volumes, freight geometry, arterial progression) and the ones that don’t (“drivers here aren’t used to them”). Design/operations reference for the roundabout alternative: NCHRP Research Report 1043, Guide for Roundabouts (2023, supersedes NCHRP 672) — free PDF at nap.nationalacademies.org (catalog 27069), covering performance-based planning, operational analysis, and design including mini and compact roundabouts.
The free screening tools
- CAP-X (Capacity Analysis for Planning of Junctions): spreadsheet v/c screening of conventional and alternative intersections/roundabouts from turning movement volumes — hours, not weeks, per alternative.
- SPICE (Safety Performance for ICE): spreadsheet comparison of predicted crash performance (SPF/CMF-based) across control types.
- FDOT posts its own maintained versions of both, plus FEAT (economic analysis), on the FDOT ICE page (link above).
Tip
The FHWA ICE page — highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/ice — hosts the national CAP-X and SPICE downloads plus the ICE Primer; use it when you need the tools outside an FDOT context or want the methodology background.
Warning
Screening tools are for comparing alternatives, not for final design — a CAP-X v/c is not an HCM LOS, and a Stage 1 SPICE run is not an HSM analysis. Say which stage your numbers come from.
See also: Signal Warrants (MUTCD Ch 4C) · Turn Lane and Queue Checks · FDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM)