A Guide to Traffic Signs and Signals TRAFFIC As a result of population and economic growth, Kalamazoo County has experienced SIGNS AND increased traffic volume on county roads. SIGNALS To safely manage this expanded traffic and For more information along to permit the smooth flow of vehicles, both This brochure has been prepared Kalamazoo along major roads and from side roads, to provide information about County Roads additional traffic signs and signals have traffic signs and signals. become necessary. Such signs and signals are If you have further questions installed, however, only after careful analysis or concerns about county-road of traffic patterns, accidents and volumes to traffic issues, we invite you determine if they are warranted. Inappropriate to call us or visit our offices placement can compound a problem and between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., even increase the risk of accidents. Monday through Friday.

If you are concerned about traffic problems

All programs, activities and services are provided equally without at a specific location on a county-maintained regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or handicap. road, please call, fax or email us. The Road

Commission will inspect the location you cite considering state rules, and then respond to 3801 East Kilgore Road you its findings. Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Telephone: (269) 381-3171 Fax: (269) 381-1760 (269) 381-3171 www.kalamazoocountyroads.com

Printed on recycled paper Rev. 2007 Traffic Signs Traffic Signals KCRC role in traffic signs, Traffic signs come in a variety of shapes and Traffic signals interrupt vehicle traffic flow at signals, speed limits designs. But their purpose is singular—to make intersections to permit orderly pedestrian and The Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic driving as safe and efficient as possible for you, vehicle movement. They also are installed to help Control Devices is the Kalamazoo County the motorist. avoid certain types of accidents—such as right- Road Commission’s definitive reference on There are three types of traffic signs: angle collisions. traffic signs and signals. This joint publication Although it is commonly believed that traffic of the Michigan Department of Transportation Regulatory signs signals can solve all traffic problems at intersec- and the Michigan Department of State Police Speed limit signs tions, unwarranted signals can lead to excessive clearly indicates under what circumstances These signs are based on what is the reasonable delay, disobedience of signal indications, increased signals and signs are warranted. and prudent speed for a given road. A traffic and accident frequency—especially the rear-end type, The Road Commission also enjoys a cooper- engineering study is often conducted to determine and the use of less adequate routes to try to ative relationship with the Kalamazoo County the properly posted speed limit. In addition, a avoid signals. Sheriff’s Department, which offers traffic- prima facie speed limit may be established based The State of Michigan has developed a set of control recommendations. The responsibility on the number of vehicular access points on a eight guidelines, called warrants, for use in deter- for setting speed limits on county-maintained road segment. mining whether a traffic signal is needed. The most roads is shared by the Road Commission, your Yield signs closely reviewed warrants include: local township and the Michigan State Police, Stop signs Minimum vehicular volume with the local police and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department providing the Parking signs Is sufficient traffic coming from the side road vital role of enforcement. Weight limit signs to require a signal? The Road Commission purchases ready- Interruption of continuous traffic Turn prohibition signs made traffic signs and maintains all traffic Is the main road’s traffic flow so constant that Lane-use control signs signs on county roads. Traffic signs and signals side-road traffic cannot enter or cross the are routinely checked to determine maintenance Warning signs main road? needs. Vandalism of traffic signs is a constant, These generally diamond-shaped warning signs Accident experience costly problem, consuming dollars that could are necessary to alert motorists to existing or Has a significant number of right-angle be used for other road needs. potential conditions on, ahead or adjacent to the accidents occurred at this intersection? roadway that may require increased awareness Other warrants address pedestrian crossings, or caution on the motorist’s part. Typical peak traffic periods and delays. situations that may warrant the use of these During certain hours of the day or night, some signs include: traffic signals are timed to change to flashing Curve ahead signals because of decreased traffic volume. Stop or signal ahead Flashers sometimes are used with four-way stop Pedestrian or railroad crossing signs as a motorist alert. Construction zone Most of us are frustrated at one time or another when trying to enter a main road. But traffic signals Guidance signs are not magic cures. An uncoordinated, whimsical These signs are purely informational—road-name approach to traffic signal placement can create signs, route-marker signs and signs that provide traffic-flow disruption, leading to a higher number advance notice of the name of a side road. of accidents.