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Cars and a biker on a multi-lane road. There is also a person walking on the sidewalk.
Traffic Engineering
Yang Tao, Traffic Engineering Director

Traffic Signals and Street Lighting

Enhancing road safety through the implementation and maintenance of various electrical traffic safety devices and infrastructure.

What We Do

  • Traffic Engineering maintains traffic signals at over 400 intersections in addition to flashing beacons, driver feedback boards and other electronic signs. Traffic Engineering also maintains over 17,500 street lights.
  • Install and maintain traffic signals to regulate traffic flow and enhance intersection safety.
  • Install and maintain street lighting to improve nighttime visibility and safety on city streets.
  • Install and maintain Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at key pedestrian crossings.
  • Install and maintain Driver Feedback Boards to encourage safe driving speeds.
  • Install and maintain School Safety Beacons to protect students near schools.
  • Educate the community on the benefits and proper use of these devices.
  • Collaborate with local agencies to improve traffic management and pedestrian safety.

  • Traffic Signals

    Multi-color illuminated displays used to coordinate traffic flow safely through roadway intersections. 

  • Street Lighting

    A street light or street lamp, often mounted on a pole along a roadway, to provide illumination.

  • Traffic Safety Beacons

    Street crossing safety features that are activated by pedestrians to alert motorists of their presence within the crosswalk.

  • Projects

    Information about projects related to signals and street lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a new Traffic Signal, Streetlighting, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, Driver Feedback Board, or School Safety Beacon in my neighborhood?

Contact us via email or phone to submit a request for a new device or infrastructure installation.

How many Traffic Signals, Street lights, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, Driver Feedback Boards, and School Safety Beacon are in the City of Madison?

As of July 2024, we own and maintain just under 300 traffic signalized intersections throughout the city and maintain an additional 60 traffic signalized intersections for Dane County and for neighboring communities such as Verona, Fitchburg, and Monona. As for the other electrical safety infrastructure, the City of Madison has 114 RRFBs, 86 Driver Feedback Boards, and 23 Safety Beacons.

What should I do if a device or infrastructure is not working?

Report any malfunctions with these devices or infrastructure to our maintenance team at 608-266-4767 or by email at trafficfieldops@cityofmadison.com.

If this is an emergency, call 911 to report the issue.

How are the locations of traffic signals determined?

The placement of traffic signals is based on traffic studies and analysis conducted by the city's traffic engineering team. Staff has compiled a Traffic Signal Priority List, or TSPL, which ranks intersections that have been or are currently being considered for new traffic signal installation. 

In general, consideration factors include traffic volume, accident history, and pedestrian activity. Discussions often precede the decision to install a new traffic signal.  The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) lists different ways that a traffic signal can be “justified.”  These nine different ways will be called “criteria” in this report.  In the MUTCD, the criteria are called warrants. Regardless of the terminology, the nine criteria provide a nationally used, systematic method to evaluate the need for traffic signals. Meeting just one of these criteria can be justification for installing signals.  However, many other factors need to be considered. 

Addressing travel needs by alternative means without installing signals may be desirable at some locations even when one or more of the signal criteria are met. The City Traffic Engineering Division will use the nine criteria published as warrants in the MUTCD.  Traffic will be counted, typically by automatic machine methods that segregate traffic for each approach.  Locations that appear close to meeting one or more criteria will receive more intense study, including manual counts that segregate traffic by type (motor vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian) and movement (left turn, right turn, straight through); vehicle delay study; field review of existing intersection conditions; etc. A rank order priority list will be prepared for review by the Transportation Commission. Staff will prepare commentary on those intersections of most interest to the Commission. The commentary will cover special consideration items listed earlier and other issues. If a new traffic signal installation is recommended, then the city will determine how to pay for the design and construction of the traffic signal including the creation of an assessment district.

What should I do if I approach a traffic signal that is out during a power outage?

During a power outage, treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as all-way stops. Proceed with caution and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians as necessary.

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