Keeping The Traffic Moving When Signals Go Down

The traffic flow is monitored by SacDOT staff through the Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) within the TOC. The ATMS is a mix of traffic cameras and computer signals at the intersections to ensure travelers have a safe commute to their destination. Together with the Maintenance and Operations, and Design divisions, the TOC ensures the operations of signal timing is at peak performance.

There are times that issues arise on the roadway interrupting the flow of traffic. Interruptions that can cause traffic to crawl to a stop leaving drivers frustrated and going nowhere.

One such occurrence at the intersection of Hazel Avenue and Oak Avenue brought traffic to a standstill in October. The collision involved a car and a semi-loaded with timber. That impact sent the semi slamming into the northbound traffic signal, destroying the signal, and forcing the shutdown of both northbound lanes on Hazel Avenue.

The computers monitoring the flow of traffic alerted the TOC to the loss of the intersection signal. Through a traffic camera at the intersection staff saw the aftermath of the intersection and began responding to the scene. The entire crash was recorded for the Highway Patrol to review later.

The loss of the traffic signal wreaked havoc during the afternoon commute. SacDOT knew replacing the signal would be imperative to returning traffic to its normal flow. Getting the job done though wouldn't be quick. SacDOT crews had to make it to the intersection, shut down the roadway, remove the damaged signal and replace it. Traffic was backing up in all directions as the minutes passed while emergency vehicles also made their way to the scene to help the injured.

After the injured people and vehicles were removed from the scene, TOC staff along with SacDOT maintenance teams worked with the Highway Patrol to remove the damaged traffic signal and replace it with a temporary signal, while safely keeping the traffic flowing during the afternoon rush hour traffic.

Four hours after the accident, a temporary traffic signal was installed and fully operational by the end of the afternoon commute, and all northbound lanes were fully opened soon after.

Response time is critical for the TOC. Any interference with the normal traffic flow (whether it's a collision, power outage, or even mother nature) can cause hours of headaches for drivers. That's why traffic is monitored by staff 24/7, and if problems arise, crews are ready to respond to ensure commuters aren't delayed too long and still can still safely arrive to their destinations.​​