The Traffic Signal Division is a three person team that plays an active role in keeping people moving through the city by supporting and maintaining the 211 signalized intersections in Stamford. Whether it’s ensuring traffic management procedures and best practices are followed, maintaining the system in a state of good repair, or providing 24/7/365 on-call support, the department plays a vital role in the City.

Thanks to a $5.5 million Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant Stamford has been connecting all traffic lights to the traffic control center in the Government Center with Fiber-optic cabling. This allows the department to retime lights, which hasn’t been done in 25 years. Retiming lights allows traffic to flow smoother, which means fewer delays.

There are several benefits to retiming lights, including but not limited to:

• Shorter travel times
• Reduced delay and waiting time at signals
• Reduced fuel consumption and emissions
• Reduce the number of signals you stop at
• Improves safety
• Provides for all modes of travel
• Decrease pedestrian wait time 
• Create zones so we can be more responsive to changes in local traffic patterns and volumes

The Traffic Maintenance Division, or what is predominately referred to as Signs and Lines, is responsible for street signs, line painting, emergency services, and helping to ensure safe travel on Stamford’s 320 miles of roadway. This department responds to road emergencies and snow removal, parking lot and garage maintenance, and sets up traffic control for special events.

In an effort to increase safety and decrease confusion for drivers, the City of Stamford Department of Transportation, Traffic & Parking has been updating and clarifying the traffic signs and pavement markings throughout Stamford.

Having clearer signs and lines allows drivers to make more informed decisions about their trip, which increases safety and decreases stress. The department acts in accordance with all federal/state standards for safety and ease of navigation.

Signs convey important information to all roadway users about the state of the road and other safety information. Having updated signs also contributes to a more modern streetscape.

Pavement markings clearly demarcate travel lanes, which decreases the risk for crashes. In addition, pavement markings can also be used as traffic calming measures, which cost the taxpayers less than full scale construction projects.

Our department follows the standards set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for all signs, pavement markings, and signals. More information about the MUTCD can be found here.