Is a traffic signal needed and when to reach out for help?
Many people believe that traffic signals are the answer to all traffic problems at intersections. If this were true, no traffic engineer in his right mind would deny a request for a traffic signal. The need for traffic signals should be based on a competent engineering study.
A warranted traffic signal, which is properly located and operated may provide for more orderly movement of traffic and may reduce the occurrence of certain types of accidents. On the other hand, an unwarranted traffic signal can result in increased delays, congestion and crashes.
Traffic signals should be installed only when they will alleviate more problems than they will create. This must be determined on the basis of an engineering study.
The first step in getting a traffic signal installed is to determine the governmental agency that has jurisdiction for the intersection and contact that agency.
If the County has jurisdiction, then contact the our office 419-213-2860 or e-mail LCEinfo@co.lucas.oh.us with your request.
The county engineer will add your request to a list for studies and evaluation and will then perform a warrant analysis if deemed reasonable. The warrants for a traffic control signal are listed in the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD). If the intersection meets any one of these warrants, then the next step is to use sound engineering judgment to determine if the signal should be installed. There are cases where, although a location meets the warrants, because of poor geometry (lack of separate turn lanes), proximity to existing signals, etc., it is not signalized.
If a traffic signal can be installed without negatively impacting other intersections or the traveling public, and adequate funding is available, the traffic signal should be designed and constructed.
The Lucas County Engineer only installs and operates traffic signals at public streets. If a private development warrants a traffic signal, the development must enter into an agreement with Lucas County, pay for the installation of the traffic signal and pay a yearly maintenance/operating fee to the County Engineer.
A warranted traffic signal, which is properly located and operated may provide for more orderly movement of traffic and may reduce the occurrence of certain types of accidents. On the other hand, an unwarranted traffic signal can result in increased delays, congestion and crashes.
Traffic signals should be installed only when they will alleviate more problems than they will create. This must be determined on the basis of an engineering study.
The first step in getting a traffic signal installed is to determine the governmental agency that has jurisdiction for the intersection and contact that agency.
If the County has jurisdiction, then contact the our office 419-213-2860 or e-mail LCEinfo@co.lucas.oh.us with your request.
The county engineer will add your request to a list for studies and evaluation and will then perform a warrant analysis if deemed reasonable. The warrants for a traffic control signal are listed in the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD). If the intersection meets any one of these warrants, then the next step is to use sound engineering judgment to determine if the signal should be installed. There are cases where, although a location meets the warrants, because of poor geometry (lack of separate turn lanes), proximity to existing signals, etc., it is not signalized.
If a traffic signal can be installed without negatively impacting other intersections or the traveling public, and adequate funding is available, the traffic signal should be designed and constructed.
The Lucas County Engineer only installs and operates traffic signals at public streets. If a private development warrants a traffic signal, the development must enter into an agreement with Lucas County, pay for the installation of the traffic signal and pay a yearly maintenance/operating fee to the County Engineer.
Highway & street lightsLearn more about where street lights are placed, who maintains them and why they're important for safety.
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How can I get a streetlight put in at a given location?
Typically, the county engineer will install streetlights at its signalized and roundabout intersections at the time of construction and the cost is usually included with the cost of the project. The county engineer does not typically install streetlights at non-signalized intersections or other sections of roadway under its jurisdiction, unless a there is documented safety issue, crash history, which can be resolved by highway lighting.
Townships have discretion as to whether or not a streetlight is installed on roadways in their jurisdiction; however it is the recommendation of the county engineer that they follow guidelines similar to those mentioned above to maintain uniformity of the highway lighting procedure.
If residents of a given area feel that they would like streetlights even though the county or township has determined they are not warranted due to vehicular safety concerns. We ask that they contact their Township regarding the petition process for establishing a lighting district.
Who pays for streetlights?
There is an initial cost for the streetlight installation and a continuous cost for maintenance and the required electricity. When the county or a township feels the lighting is warranted and installs streetlights, this cost is paid annually and must be accounted for indefinitely.
If the landowners have initiated the street lighting thru the township’s petition process the cost for maintenance and electricity will be assessed in property taxes.
Typically, the county engineer will install streetlights at its signalized and roundabout intersections at the time of construction and the cost is usually included with the cost of the project. The county engineer does not typically install streetlights at non-signalized intersections or other sections of roadway under its jurisdiction, unless a there is documented safety issue, crash history, which can be resolved by highway lighting.
Townships have discretion as to whether or not a streetlight is installed on roadways in their jurisdiction; however it is the recommendation of the county engineer that they follow guidelines similar to those mentioned above to maintain uniformity of the highway lighting procedure.
If residents of a given area feel that they would like streetlights even though the county or township has determined they are not warranted due to vehicular safety concerns. We ask that they contact their Township regarding the petition process for establishing a lighting district.
Who pays for streetlights?
There is an initial cost for the streetlight installation and a continuous cost for maintenance and the required electricity. When the county or a township feels the lighting is warranted and installs streetlights, this cost is paid annually and must be accounted for indefinitely.
If the landowners have initiated the street lighting thru the township’s petition process the cost for maintenance and electricity will be assessed in property taxes.
