TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION

Contact Person

Arthur C. Brown, Transportation Operations Manager

(760) 726-1340 x 1386

e-mail: abrown@cityofvista.com

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Areas of responsibilities handled by Traffic Engineering include:

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SIGNALS

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• Monitoring and Control
  • The Traffic Engineering Division has installed QuicNet, a central computer based system, to monitor and control a number of traffic signals. Recently 25 more signals were added to this system, so that currently 63 out of 88 signals are connected to QuicNet. The remainder of the signals will be connected to the system at the earliest possible time.
• Signal Priority List
  • The Traffic Engineering Division regularly evaluates a number of intersections to determine the need for future signalization. From these evaluations, the "Citywide Traffic Signal Priority List" has been developed. The list is updated, as required.
• Timing and Coordination
  • The Traffic Engineering Division develops timing plans for all city-owned traffic signals. Many of these traffic signals are coordinated with adjacent signals in order to provide better traffic flow along certain arterial streets.

SIGNS AND MARKINGS

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The Traffic Engineering Division oversees the design and installation of all traffic signs and pavement markings on city streets.

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• Uniform Guidelines
  • All traffic signs and markings must conform to uniform standards contained in the "California Supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices." There are three categories of signs: Regulatory, Warning, and Guide Signs. Examples of regulatory signs include: stop, parking, and speed limit signs. Warning signs are usually yellow with black legends and border and give advance notice to motorists of hazardous conditions, traffic control, devices, changes in road conditions or alignment, and otherwise provide notice. Guide signs usually display white letters and borders on green background and include information such as destination and street name signs.

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Regulatory Signs

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Warning Signs

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Guide Signs

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PLAN REVIEW

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• Private Development Plans
  • Traffic Engineering Division staff reviews all proposed developments for traffic impact and determines the need for traffic control devices and related requirements to be installed by the project.
• Traffic Control Plans
  • Traffic Control Plans are required for any construction activity or special event that will disrupt traffic flow on city streets, and must be prepared in accordance with Caltrans guidelines.
• Traffic Signal Manual
  • Traffic Engineering Division staff recently completed a traffic signal design manual intended primarily for use by developers and engineers. This provides equipment and installation as well as design standards tailored to City requirements.

To view the Traffic Signal Manual, click here.

PERMITS

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• Haul Routes
  • A Haul Route Permit is required for the transport of excavated or fill material to or from the site of any grading operation. These permits are issued through Development Services.
• Oversize/Overweight Vehicles - Truck Routes
  • The movement of oversized or overweight (as defined in the California Vehicle Code) vehicles, equipment, or structures on city streets requires a special permit. In addition, the city has established a system of truck routes where legally loaded vehicles in excess of 7 tons gross vehicle weight can travel. These permits are issued through Development Services.
• Temporary Parking
  • The Traffic Engineering Division can issue temporary permits to park in certain posted “No Parking” zones on a case by case basis.

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TRAFFIC COMMISSION

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The Traffic Commission acts as the approving authority on traffic and traffic safety related items and acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Items brought before the Traffic Commission, that are approved or denied, may be appealed to the City Council. All appeals must be appealed within the time specified by ordinance, if they are to go forward to the City Council. Contact the Traffic Engineering staff at (760) 726-1340, extension 1389, for more information on the appeal process.

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TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY

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The City of Vista has adopted a Traffic Calming Program as a means of addressing concerns about the speed of traffic through residential areas. The program involves a four phase process that begins with the implementation of less intrusive measures, such as distribution of educational literature and increased enforcement. More extensive or costly measures involving construction of various roadway features, such as speed humps or roadway channelization, can only be considered as a final option if other measures have not proved effective.

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To view Resolution 2004-22 (Establishing Traffic Calming Program) click here.

To view Policy 600-07 (Installation of Speed Humps) click here.

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INFORMATION BROCHURES

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Based on citizen requests for action or information, Traffic Engineering Division has prepared the following information brochures to discuss issues of greatest concern.

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To view the Traffic Signal Systems brochure, click here

To view the Stop Signs and Traffic Signals brochure, click here

To view the Speed Zones brochure, click here

To view the Marked Crosswalks brochure, click here

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RED LIGHT CAMERAS

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The city has contracted with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. to install and operate automated traffic enforcement devices, that are known as red light cameras, at certain signalized intersections. Questions about specific citations that have been issued should be directed to the Vista Sheriff’s Department contact listed on the citation.

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CITIZEN REQUESTS

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The Traffic Engineering Division gladly responds to requests related to traffic control. Please contact the Traffic Engineering Division at (760) 726-1340 x1389.