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Signals and Signs

Signals

The City of Columbia signal system consists of 44 signalized intersections. Maintenance is a major factor for ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians as well as efficiency in travel. The traffic signal technicians are responsible for the installation, operation, and repair of the traffic signals and their associated electronic equipment.  These technicians are also responsible for testing all new cabinets and components in the shop before installing it on the street.  This is done via one of two test cabinets and our test board inside the shop.  We have a preventative maintenance program in place that is ran weekly; this program ensures that each of our signals is checked for any problems once per month.  Each year the City replaces approximately 300 bulbs which burn out during operation. The traffic signal crews are also responsible for all overhead street name markers and signage. Other duties include maintaining a database of equipment repairs, and determining the future operating needs in the area of equipment and supplies. Traffic signal malfunctions or questions concerning timings may be reported to (931) 388-8650 Monday thru Friday 7:30 am till 4:00 pm.  A Traffic Signal Technician is also on-call for after-hour problems and emergencies.

The City of Columbia Traffic Division is continually working to make improvements to the existing transportation infrastructure. The following is a list of projects and improvements that are currently in motion:


  • A plan to replace all 12” traffic signals in the City Limits with LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LED signals are more visible and more energy efficient.
  • Replacing four (4) intersections with more up to date 2070 controllers. These sites are
    • Carmack Blvd and 17th Street - COMPLETED
    • Carmack Blvd and S. Main St - COMPLETED
    • W 6th St and N. High St - COMPLETED
    • James M. Campbell Blvd and Hampshire Pike
  • Installing traffic sensing cameras at multiple intersections.
  • Installing new solar powered school flashers for all school zones inside the City Limits.  Solar power will save money and is a more reliable system.


TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLER TESTING AREA

Signs and Markings

The Sign and Marking crew installs and maintains pavement markings such as stop bars, white skip lines, yellow striping, turn arrows, raised pavement markers (reflectors), school zones, railroad crossing markings, street name markers and pedestrian crosswalks. The sign crew has a plan in place to replace and upgrade all Stop Signs and Street Name Markers over the next couple of years.  The sign crew also cuts and makes our own signs in house with complicated computer software and cutting equipment.  The Sign and Markings crew paint approximately 10,000 linear feet of striping per year, 50 turn arrows, and install approximately 400 raised pavement markers. Striping and raised pavement marking decisions are based on inspections during the day and evening hours to determine the visibility and reflectivity of such markings. To report a problem with striping or a missing Stop sign, Street marker call (931) 388-8650.