One of the main purposes of Traffic Engineering is to create safe and efficient roadways. This task is accomplished when Traffic Engineers are involved in the geometric design, planning, and traffic operations management of roadway infrastructure development.

Traffic Engineers use a plethora of tools and software to assist with solving transportation related problems. In addition to examining general roadway conditions, Traffic Engineers analyze traffic counts, accident statistics, speed study reports, and create traffic simulation models. Often times a subtle change in traffic control or traffic signal timing can alleviate transportation problems. In some instances more drastic measures need to be taken such as adjusting speed limits, increasing roadway signage and markings, increasing/decreasing travel lanes, etc.

The video below provides a quick overview of the Town's Intelligent Transportation System(ITS) and some if it's components.

Click on the image to expand the size

As of July 2023 there are over 84 signalized intersections within the Town of Queen Creek.

The process of adding a signalized intersection to the Town's infrastructure is a long and arduous process that typically involves years of research and planning along with a financial commitment ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 depending on market rates and equipment availability. 

 Did you know that the first traffic light was installed in London around 1868? Well, now you do!

Traffic Signals: Please reference the chart above for the meanings behind some of the Town's traffic signal indications.

Pedestrian Crosswalk Signals - Most intersections throughout the Town have roadway markings and specialized signals for pedestrians to safely cross an intersection or road. A WALKING PERSON illuminated with white lights means you can cross an intersection. A RAISED HAND in orange/red indicates that it's not safe to cross the intersection or road at the current moment.

School Zones -  School Zones within Town Boundaries have Speed Limit Signs and Flashing lights to indicate when those speed limits are in affect. The use of flashing yellow signals and additional signage bring attention to the speed limit in the area as vehicles approach a School Zone.

Q: What if I arrive at an intersection where the traffic signals are flashing red or aren't working at all? 

A:Treat the intersection as a 4-Way Stop. The chart below will help guide you through some basic 4-way stop etiquette. You can report the issue to Town Staff by using SeeClickFix when you arrive at your destination.

The Town of Queen Creek abides by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for all Roadway Lighting, Signage, Signals and Pavement Marking standards. Nearly every state and municipality follow FHWA standards to ensure uniformity while driving through different cities or states across the nation. 

*Although rare, there are times where municipalities/organizations need to alter or change standards to accommodate custom applications.  

Information regarding Traffic Engineering Standards and Details can be found by visiting the Town's Traffic Engineering Webpage

Speed limits are based on engineering studies conducted during the planning stages of roadway development. Speed limits can be adjusted up or down based on vehicle counts, roadway improvements, rezoning and other factors that could hinder traffic flow or provide unsafe roadway conditions if not addressed. A certified engineer must conduct a traffic study before any speed limits can be changed.

Please fill out a Traffic Concern request on SeeClickFix to report areas where Speed Limits that may need to be adjusted.

Below is a list of a few typical Speed Limits you may see around Town:

Alleyways  - 15mph

Business or Residential - 25mph

School Zones - 35mph

Roadways - 25mph, 30mph, 35mph, 40mph, 45mph, 55mph

Contrary to popular belief, lowering the Speed Limit in certain areas, or posting multiple Speed Limit signs, doesn't always lead to motorists slowing down or reducing accidents. Signage, roadway markings, roadway lanes/width, traffic flow and things such as lighting conditions play a key role into driving behavior.

Setting unrealistic low Speed Limits can have an adverse effect to what was planned. For instance, if the Speed Limit is 30mph and the average motorist drives 35mph, lowering the speed to 25mph would do more harm than good. In essence, it would make violators out of reasonable law-abiding citizens and also make police enforcement nearly impossible as nearly everyone would need a citation.

In accordance with MUTCD: Regulatory signs shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of the legal requirements.

Regulatory Signs can come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. Click the links below to get a better understanding of regulatory sign meanings, sizes, colors, and shapes.

SIGN DESIGNATION & SIZES

You can find hundreds of variations for roadway signage throughout the United States. Each sign has a specific meaning, size, and designation used to make it easy to identify and re-order.

For example: A stop sign should always given the Designation of R1-1 and be a Red colored Octagon at least 30"x30" for a single lane road, or 36"x36" on a multi-lane road.

SIGN SHAPES

The MUTCD only recognizes 9 shapes for traffic signage. Those shapes and meanings are listed below.

SIGN COLORS

13 colors have been identified as being appropriate for use in conveying traffic information Those colors are

1. Black—regulation
2. Blue—road user services guidance, tourist information, and evacuation route
3. Brown—recreational and cultural interest area guidance
4. Coral—unassigned
5. Fluorescent Pink—incident management
6. Fluorescent Yellow-Green—pedestrian warning, bicycle warning, playground warning, school bus and school warning
7. Green—indicated movements permitted, direction guidance
8. Light Blue—unassigned
9. Orange—temporary traffic control
10. Purple—lanes restricted to use only by vehicles with registered electronic toll collection (ETC) accounts
11. Red—stop or prohibition
12. White—regulation
13. Yellow—warning

Below is an illustration of a few regulatory signs. Click here for a full list of Regulatory Signage and their meanings.

In accordance to the MUTCD:  Warning signs call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway, street, or private roads open to public travel and to situations that might not be readily apparent to road users. Warning signs alert road users to conditions that might call for a reduction of speed or an action in the interest of safety and efficient traffic operations.

Below is an illustration of a few warning signs. Click here for a full list of Warning Signs and their meanings.

Pavement and curb markings are used to guide, warn, and regulate motorists as they travel on roadways. Pavement markings will either be yellow, white, or a combination of both colors. There are many curb markings but the commonly used colors are red, yellow, and white.

Below you will find a few common pavement and curb markings along with their meanings. Click here for a full list of pavement and curb markings and their meanings.

Pavement Markings

Curb Markings

Merging lanes in traffic can be a difficult and confusing process for even the most skilled drivers!

Watch the video below for a better understanding on how to merge lanes when approaching a road closure or other obstruction.

The illustration below will help you understand what to do at a 4-Way Stop.

Pro Tip: Treat a flashing red or unpowered signalized intersections as a 4-Way Stop.

Town staff maintain over 4,500 residential and arterial roadway lights.

Click the image below to view the Roadway Lighting Inspection Schedule and find information on how to report roadway lighting issues.

Roundabouts are becoming one of the nation's fastest growing types of intersections due to their ability to reduce crashes and improve traffic flow. Although the Town of Queen Creek doesn't have many roundabouts at the present time, it's helpful for residents to know how to navigate within roundabouts so they know what to do while traveling in other municipalities and regions.

The video below illustrates how to maneuver a modern roundabout:

The Town's Traffic Engineering team constantly monitors traffic flow and roadway conditions in order to optimize traffic flow and ensure proper roadway signage/lighting are displayed at all times. In addition to preventative maintenance measures and routine inspections, Town staff heavily rely on residents to assist with reporting unsafe roadway conditions, problems with roadway lighting, and other transportation related issues. 

Residents can help report traffic engineering, roadway lighting, and other transportation related issues to Town Staff through SeeClickFix. Residents can be provided updates from Town Staff and notified when the issue is resolved.