TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE

As cities and counties throughout the country modernize their traffic signal systems, maintenance procedures and management techniques also need to be modernized. That there is a broad gap between installation of new systems or modernization of existing systems and a full understanding of the necessary maintenance techniques was recognized by the Transportation Task Force of the Urban Consortium when it designated traffic signal maintenance as one of its top 10 transportation needs. Modernized, computer-assisted traffic signal systems, which represent the wave of the future, offer promise to enhance the effectiveness of electromechanical systems by integrating them into a computerized process. However, computer-assisted signal systems also introduce problems. Four areas of concern have been identified Guidelines and standards for routine, preventive maintenance are needed to assist jurisdictions in setting up maintenance schedules. The proprietary nature (design unique to each manufacturer) of the computerized systems often limits cities to one source of supply for replacement parts. (A city is highly vulnerable to price increases and is left with little or no recourse if the supplier decides to change produce lines.) Continual retraining is necessary to bring technical personnel to an acceptable level of competence in operating and maintaining the solid state systems. Thorough recordkeeping is needed to monitor the system effectively and to protect the city against liability claims. (Author)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This is One of the Ten Bulletins in the Fifth Series of An Urban Consortium Information Bulletins.
• Corporate Authors:

  Public Technology, Incorporated

  1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20004

  Department of Transportation

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1982-6

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Information processing; Liability; Maintenance management; Monitoring; Preventive maintenance; Retaining walls; Structural design; Traffic signals; Training
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Highways; Law; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00395919
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-I-82-55
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 31 1985 12:00AM