Traffic Signals

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.

Traffic Signal Management

The Traffic Signal Management Center provides constant communication with computerized controllers at each traffic signal via a citywide fiber optic network.  Signal status and equipment malfunctions are reported every second.  Traffic volumes are reported every few minutes.  The central computers then select best-coordinated timing pattern and transmit updated instructions to the signal controllers on the street.

System Components

• Traffic Signal Management
• Video Monitoring
• Automated Traffic Volume Counts
• Video Detection
• Information Dissemination
• Ethernet and serial communication on Fiber Optic Network

What does the Traffic Signal Management System do?

• Improves traffic signal coordination
• Makes traffic signals more responsive to traffic demands as they occur
• Provides information for staff to respond rapidly to incidents and malfunctions
• Coordinates City, County and Caltrans traffic signal operation

Benefits of the Traffic Signal Management System

• Improved traffic signal coordination
• Reduced delay for drivers
• Reduced vehicle operation costs
• Reduced auto air pollutant emissions such as carbon monoxide, reactive organic gases, and nitrous oxides
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Improved maintenance staff response time
• Increased roadway capacity and safety

Closed Circuit (CCTV) and Ethernet Based Cameras

The City operates over 200 cameras which provide important information to signal operators and maintenance staff, allowing them to observe and fine-tune intersection operations in real time.  Staff can assess each situation and make corrective adjustments immediately without having to travel to the site.

For more information or to report a traffic signal that needs attention, please submit a Service Request for 'Traffic Signal Maintenance', or contact the Municipal Service Center.

External Links

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This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 4/20/2017