Traffic Services is a statewide operation under the direction of the 14 Division Traffic Engineers, each responsible for a specific division. The responsibilities of the Traffic Services Unit include pavement markings, signs, traffic signals, warning flashers, sign lighting, and roadway lighting within a specific geographic area known as a division. The Traffic Services Unit is separated into four different groups.
The first group, Pavement Markings, is responsible for all pavement marking activities and is further broken into three sections: premarking, pavement marking, and special markings. Premarking is typically completed by one or two individuals that set the locations for passing zones, turn lanes, and other areas. Pavement marking is completed by a crew consisting of four to seven individuals that operate a long line pavement marking machine and the support equipment to install centerline and edgelines on the road. Special markings is completed by a crew consisting of two to four individuals that use templates to install pavement markings for STOP bars, arrows, other symbols, and word messages on the road.
The second group, Signing, is responsible for inspecting, repairing, replacing, and installing new signs along our highways. A sign crew typically consists of two people. They may have the responsibilities for an entire county. Sign crews are on call 24 hours a day to respond to calls of downed signs.
The third group, Signals, is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and installing traffic signals, warning flashers, and ITS devices. There is a signal technician on call at all times to respond to calls of malfunctioning traffic signals.
The fourth group, Incident Management, is responsible for detecting, verifying, responding to, and clearing accidents, spilled loads, and disabled vehicles from our freeways. An incident management crew typically consists of one person per vehicle who patrols designated sections of freeway and responds to incidents in an effort to make the freeways as safe as possible and to move traffic as efficiently as possible.
In addition, the Division Traffic Engineer and his/her support staff conduct engineering studies and make recommendations regarding the need for various traffic control devices as requested by the general public, elected or appointed officials, local, state, and federal agencies, and others.
