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DOT - Signals

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1. What is the City's process for installing a new traffic signal?

Traffic signals are installed to improve overall safety of roadway users, establish right-of-way, and reduce travel delay at an intersection. The process and criteria established by City Council Policy 2-2 is used to determine whether an intersection meets the minimum warrant criteria required for installation of a traffic signal. This policy is based on Caltrans guidelines that local agencies are required to follow for roadway traffic control devices. The policy includes consideration of peak vehicle volumes, pedestrian activity, proximity to schools, and crash history; among other factors.

The City has limited resources to conduct the necessary traffic signal warrant studies and to install new traffic signals. The installation of a traffic signal is a significant investment (approximately $450,000 - 500,000).

If you would like to request that an intersection be considered for a new traffic signal, please email Traffic.Safety@sanjoseca.gov, or call (408) 535-3850. Traffic engineers can assist with making an initial evaluation to determine if the intersection is a good candidate for further studies, or if there are other improvements that may enhance traffic safety or operations of the intersection.