Traffic Safety and Operations

Safety

Traffic Engineering works on projects and programs to improve the traffic safety of the streets in the city.  Changes initiated by the Traffic Engineering Section are the result of studies to determine if a situation meets a set of standards called "warrants." 

These warrants have been established by state and federal guidelines through years of engineering practice to provide uniform guidelines. If a particular circumstance meets the criteria, the guidelines are followed to eliminate a potential safety hazard.

To help manage the City's traffic system, Public Works uses a centrally controlled, high-tech communication network of computers, modems, video cameras, and fiber optic cable that connects traffic signals throughout the city.

The Stockton Traffic Management System communication network is used to modify signal timing, provide real-time traffic conditions and coordinate communication between signals across the city.  Video cameras installed at traffic signals are monitored as part of the signal timing process.

Additionally, Public Works coordinates with the Police Department on traffic safety issues. Traffic Engineering assists with all developments and reviews construction area traffic control plans.

Operations

The Public Works Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for programming approximately 284 traffic signals in the City of Stockton.  View the map of the City's Traffic Management System Fiber Optic Network.

The City has two types of traffic signals:  fixed-time signals and traffic-actuated signals.  Fixed-time signals are set for average conditions and change at predetermined time intervals.  Traffic-actuated signals detect vehicles, including bicycles, and adjust the timing to optimize traffic flow at the intersection.

Major streets, with several traffic signals spaced at periodic intervals, the traffic signals are synchronized to provide coordinated movement along the major street.

Before installing a traffic signal at an intersection, established minimum criteria, called "warrants," must be satisfied.  The engineering review includes an examination of:

• Vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes;
• The need to provide interruption to the flow of traffic on major streets for side street vehicles and pedestrians;
• Special conditions such as curves;
• Collision history of the intersection.

If a traffic signal is dark, where all lights are out, a red light is out, the signal is in a red flash mode, or the pedestrian crossing lights are out, it is an emergency situation and should be reported immediately to the Municipal Service Center.

External Links

There are currently no external links.

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 3/31/2023