Four busy valley intersections in the city of Las Vegas recently received new traffic signals. Traffic signals were recently installed on Alta Drive at Park Vista Drive and Pavilion Center, and at Oso Blanca Road and Durango Drive. Earlier this week, another set of traffic signals was turned on at Cheyenne Avenue and Hualapai Way.

Each year, the city receives numerous requests for the installation of various traffic devices such as traffic signals. The city’s Public Works Department reviews these requests, comparing data to established minimum criteria in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Once the department receives a request, a traffic count is taken where crews set up equipment to measure how many cars use the road each day. For traffic signals, the review includes an examination of several factors including the amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, special conditions such as hills and curves, the accident history at the intersection and the proximity of schools, among other things.

If the intersection meets the minimum criteria, the location is placed on the priority list, where it waits to be funded. The funding for the signals comes from a number of different sources including gas tax dollars, developer fees and special assessment fees. The cost of a traffic signal can exceed $250,000 so data must be carefully reviewed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible. Once funding is secured, the design and construction can take place.

In 2005, the city’s Public Works Department installed 16 sets of traffic signals. For more information on the Public Works Department and various traffic devices, visit the Public Works home page.