Traffic Signals
Traffic engineering maintains the operation of over 135 traffic signals
within the city limits.
Joint Signal Timing Coordination
Springfield's Transportation Management Center (TMC) was established in
1998 by the City of Springfield and Missouri Department of Transportation
(MoDOT). City and State personnel work side-by-side at the TMC coordinating
traffic flow in the metro area.
Within the TMC, city and state personnel utilize the citywide computerized
traffic signal system, closed-circuit real-time traffic monitoring camera
system, and other useful equipment to address changes in traffic flow
patterns and respond to incidents that occur throughout the transportation
system. Using the traffic cameras, TMC operators can monitor the flow
of traffic along major arterials throughout the city. When incidents such
as crashes or stalled vehicles occur, TMC operators can relay valuable
information to 911 operators who dispatch emergency response personnel
to the scene. TMC operators can also modify the traffic signal programming,
if necessary, in an effort to alleviate the impact of such incidents to
the flow of traffic.
City and MoDOT engineers work together to program the signal system with
the goal of providing the safest, most efficient operation of traffic
signals to serve the motorists and pedestrians. The development of the
Transportation Management Center and citywide computerized traffic signal
system has enabled both agencies to provide a seamless system across multiple
jurisdictional boundaries to improve travel times and reduce stops, overall
delay, and fuel consumption throughout the community.
Pedestrian Signals
At signalized City intersections, the use of pedestrian push-buttons are
available with corresponding pedestrian signals to indicate walk and don’t-walk
times. For more information on the use of pedestrian signals please view
our Pedestrian
Safety flyer (pdf).
Traffic Signal Installation Guidelines
The City of Springfield follows the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD), established by the Federal Highway Administration, when
evaluating the conditions which may warrant the installation of a traffic
signal. These guidelines identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes,
crash history, sight distance, and any unusual conditions at the intersection.
Below are two warrants out of the total of eight for consideration of
a traffic signal as specified in the MUTCD. Any of the following conditions
may warrant the installation of a traffic signal.
Volume Warrant
A traffic signal may be warranted when the total volume of traffic entering
the intersection on the major street is at least 500 vehicles per hour
for 8 hours of the day and the volume of traffic entering the intersection
from he higher volume side street approach is at least 150 vehicles
per hour during the same 8 hours of the day.
Crash Warrant
A traffic signal may be warranted when there are five or more reported
crashes of a type susceptible to correction by a traffic signal installation
in a 12-month period if adequate trial of alternatives with satisfactory
observance has failed to reduce the crash frequency. Crash types susceptible
to correction include right- and left-turning collisions with oncoming
vehciles as well as right-angle collisions.
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