Public Works Operations
Traffic Studies
Traffic studies are needed to monitor the flow of traffic on particular streets and are used for signal and stop warrants and planning purposes. The information collected is entered into a database for easy access for traffic calming studies or accident report data.
Services Provided:
- Maintenance of traffic studies
- Monitoring of traffic volumes and data
- Installation of speed bumps and/or traffic calming devices
- Stop sign warrants (evaluation)
- Signal warrants
Commonly Asked Questions:
What can be done to address excessive vehicle speeds in residential areas?
A variety of methods are used to control speeds including educational programs, pavement
markings, curb narrowing, and traffic circles. Speed humps are also used
only as a last resort and then only under very specific conditions.
... more
Why can’t stop signs be placed on more residential
streets to slow down speeding drivers?
Studies show that drivers can detect which stop signs are
not really necessary to control intersections. If a stop sign is placed
only for speed control drivers tend to pay less attention when approaching
it and many drivers slow but do not stop. In that instance stop signs may
create more of a traffic hazard than they prevent since pedestrians and
other drivers expect all cars to stop. It has also been shown through studies
that motorists tend to increase their speeds after stopping at an intersection
to make up for lost time. Essentially, stop signs placed inappropriately
can create more safety problems than they solve and should be installed
only after a careful traffic engineering study.
Citizen Concern Form
Concern or Questions . . . email pwOps-online@slco.org