Traffic Engineering Design

Traffic Engineering Design Section is responsible for the design and/or review of design for proposed traffic signals. This would include the timing, phasing and layout of lane assignments. This section is also responsible for providing other Bureaus within MDOT plans and specifications dealing with temporary traffic signals.

Another function of the Design Section is the design of lighting plans. Lighting is an item associated with safety and delineating side roads and decision points. The  group uses FHWA design criteria to develop appropriate lighting plans.

Roadway signing is another  function of the Design Section. The section is responsible for designing new and replacement signs for roadway projects. Most projects are on the Interstate with some specialty sign work taking place off the Interstate.

The Design section is also responsible for checking signal warrants for intersections. Towns often call the Department to request signal projects. The Traffic Division then asks for 12-hour turning movements at the intersection and a determination is made from these counts as to whether a signal is warranted. The intersection must meet at least one of the eleven signal warrants in FHWA’s "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices".  The meeting of a warrant, however does not necessarily mean that a signal will be installed.