Traffic Signals
The Traffic Signals Section oversees the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the City’s Traffic Signal System encompassing the following major infrastructure components:
- Approximately 395 devices – including traffic signals, pedestrian signals, special crosswalks, fire signals, warning flashers, and overhead signs.
Map of Traffic Signal Devices - Computerized Traffic Management System – the central brains of the system that monitors and controls various functions of traffic signals from a central location.
- Traffic Management Centre (TMC) – houses the Traffic Management System, traffic computers, specialized software, electronic test equipment, communications cable network hub, traffic video monitors and multiple workstations.
- Communications Network – City-owned voice/data communications network to all traffic signals and various City buildings. Includes over 120 km of copper and fibre optic cable, and a wireless network.
- Priority Pre-emption Systems – priority traffic signal pre-emption for railway, transit operations and emergency vehicles, including Fire-Rescue GPS vehicle tracking.
- Audible/Accessible Traffic Signals – devices for the visually impaired.
- City-wide Traffic Counting System – 24 hour automated traffic counts totalling over 1,650 counting detectors from each approach lane at all Richmond traffic signals.
- Traffic Video Monitoring – Specialized traffic "detection" cameras provide live video stream to the TMC from several intersections.
The Traffic Management Centre is normally staffed from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday to report operational or maintenance concerns. After hours, to report traffic signal problems that urgently need attention, call the 24-hour Works Yard dispatch centre at 604-270-8721.