Traffic Engineering Division
Citizen Requests
The Traffic Engineering Division gladly responds to requests related to traffic control. Please contact the Traffic Engineering Division at (760) 639-6116.
Contact Information
Husam Hasenin: Principal Engineer, Phone: (760) 726-1340 x 1383, Email: hhasenin@cityofvista.com
Average Daily Traffic Volumes
Click on link below for a map showing average daily traffic volumes on various collector and major roads in the City.
Signals
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.
Guidelines for the Preparation of Traffic Signal Design Plans
Traffic Engineering Division staff recently completed guidelines for the preparation of traffic signal design plans 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 Guidelines for the Preparation of Traffic Signal Design Plans, click here.
Signs and Markings
The Traffic Engineering Division oversees the design and installation of all traffic signs and pavement markings on city streets.
Uniform Guidelines
All traffic signs and markings must conform to uniform standards contained in the "California 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.
Regulatory Signs
Warning Signs
Guide Signs
Plan Review
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.
Permits
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.
Traffic commission
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.
Traffic Calming Policy
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.
- Resolution 2004-22 (Establishing Traffic Calming Program).
- Policy 600-07 (Installation of Speed Humps).
Information Brochures
Based on citizen requests for action or information, Traffic Engineering Division has prepared the following information brochures to discuss issues of greatest concern.
- Traffic Signal Systems brochure.
- Stop Signs and Traffic Signals brochure.
- Speed Zones brochure.
- Marked Crosswalks brochure.
Red Light Cameras
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.