Traffic Engineering
The Traffic Division performs and provides services which include, but are not limited to: traffic (flow/congestion/collision) analysis, system planning, design and operation of traffic control systems, and traffic study reviews. If more detailed information is needed in regard to the duties of the Traffic Division, please refer to the list shown below:
*Please note that if any type of work is to be performed in the public right-of-way, including City funded projects, traffic control plans conforming to the latest version of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, all work must be submitted to the City Traffic Engineer for approval.
Tasks and Duties
- Citizen concerns/requests - review and conduct traffic investigations
- Speed zone surveys - recommend street speed limits
- Traffic Count Program - for select streets and intersections
- Accidents monitoring- traffic collision database
- Traffic policies - review and recommend changes through City Council
- School area safety - participate with schools to improve safety, recommend changes in signing , striping, and traffic control devices
- Traffic signals- signal timing modifications and new signals
- Traffic signal coordination systems- monitor and adjust timing - Bear Valley Road, 7th Street, and Roy Rogers Drive
- Traffic Control Plans - review for construction activity.
- Oversize load permits -approve routes and time of travel
- Development review - Conditions of Approval, site access, circulation, plan check for signing, striping, and traffic signals
- Traffic studies - review for impacts and required mitigation such as new traffic signals
- Congestion Management Program (CMP) - monitor and mitigate congested roads
- City traffic forecast model - determines number of lanes for roads and intersections for master-planned streets
- General plan circulation map - recommend changes for future needs
FAQS
How does the City decide to install traffic signals?
The City must analyze intersections to determine if traffic signal warrants are satisfied per the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to construct traffic signals. The analysis considers vehicular and pedestrian volumes, speed control, accident records, school zone proximity, and traffic flow enhancement in progressive systems. Traffic signals can cost anywhere from $750,000 to $1,000,000 to install. For an uncontrolled intersection, that has no signals, yield or stop signs, vehicles must follow the standard right of way rule per Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC)Ref. 1 §11-401 that states "When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roads at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield to the vehicle on the right."
How does the City decide when and where to install stop signs?
The City must analyze intersections to determine if a four-way stop warrant is satisfied per the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The analysis considers vehicular and pedestrian volumes, speed control, accident records, school zone proximity, and traffic flow enhancement in progressive systems. For an uncontrolled intersection, that has no signals, yield or stop signs, vehicles must follow the standard right of way rule per Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC)Ref. 1 §11-401 that states "When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roads at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield to the vehicle on the right."
What are traffic counts?
Traffic volume studies are made to obtain factual data concerning the movement of vehicles and/or persons at selected points on the street system. Volume data are expressed in relation to time, the base being determined by the type of information desired and the application to which it is used. A 24-hour count or 7-day count will be ordered when performing a coordination study.
What is Traffic Engineering?
Traffic Engineering is the science of measuring traffic and travel, the study of basic laws relating to traffic flow and generation, and the application of knowledge to the professional practice of planning, designing and operating traffic systems to achieve safe and efficient movement of persons and goods.