The County designs and modifies signalized intersections.  The traffic signals shop installs and maintains traffic control equipment.

Primary Functions

The primary functions of traffic signals include assigning right of way to various traffic movements at intersections and permitting pedestrians and cross-street traffic to move safely through the intersection and reduce certain types of accidents, particularly severe right angle (broadside) collisions.

Two Types of Signals

The County has two types of traffic signals: actuated signals and semi-actuated signals.  An actuated signal places detectors on all legs of the intersection and changes the timing of the lights to maximize traffic flow.  A semi-actuated signal utilizes detectors only on the minor cross street.  When the detector is activated, the green light on the major street is interrupted to allow the minor street traffic to safely enter the intersection.

What Process Determines Which Intersections are Signalized?

Those locations which meet the requirements are ranked according to relative severity and placed on a priority list.  County engineers then review the list and recommend which locations should be considered for funding and construction.

FYI... If heavy traffic congestion causes you to stop and block traffic in the middle of the intersection, you can be cited.  Before entering the intersection, you should check to see if there is enough space to completely cross before the light turns red.

CONTACT INFORMATION

New Traffic Signal Installation
    To request a new traffic signal be installed in your neighborhood.
    Traffic Engineering
    4135 Traffic Way
    Sacramento, CA   95827      Fax: 916-875-6990

    Steve Stosich 
    916-876-5417

Traffic Signal Timing and Maintenance Problems
    To report a timing problem or a malfunctioning traffic signal.
   
    Customer Service Center
    4100 Traffic Way
    Sacramento, CA   95827      Phone: 916-875-5171    Fax: 916-875-5773

    For questions regarding signal timing.

    Traffic Operations Center
    4100 Traffic Way 
    Sacramento, CA  95827

    Doug Maas

Traffic Signal Plan Requests
    To obtain copies of existing traffic signal construction plans.

    Traffic Signals Design Section
    906 G Street
    Sacramento, CA   95814      Fax: 916-874-7831

    Joel Hudspeth
    916-874-7244

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