Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
The City's group of skilled IMSA-Certified sign technicians is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 19,000 traffic control signs on City-owned streets. These signs may be regulatory signs, like stop and yield signs, or they may provide information to drivers, bicyclists, transit users and pedestrians. The City designs and manufactures the signs in-house in the sign fabrication shop.
The Traffic Signs Maintenance group is also responsible for implementing MOT (Maintenance and Operation of Traffic) Plans for events and road closures. The hardworking members of this group help ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and event attendees.
Sign Fabrication Shop
Stop Signs
An engineering study is required to install a stop sign. STOP signs are not used to control the speed of vehicles. Research has shown that STOP signs are not as effective in reducing vehicle speeds as traffic calming measures, and that placing signs where they do not meet warrants can result in higher speeds between intersections.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic control devices for city, state and federal jurisdictions and has established guidelines that must be followed for placement of STOP signs. These guidelines ensure continuity when driving from state to state.
Factors that are taken into consideration for the warrant analysis include, but are not limited to:
- Traffic volume (vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists)
- Speed of traffic
- Visibility at intersection
- Type of area (residential, business, recreational, etc.)
- Collision history
- Distance from other traffic control devices
- Proximity to a school