Frequently Asked Questions

What is traffic engineering?

Traffic Engineering is the field of engineering which deals with the planning, design, construction, and operation of roads, streets, and highways, their networks, terminals, access to abutting lands and relationships with other modes of transportation for the achievement of safe, efficient, and convenient movement of persons and goods. Traffic Engineering applies engineering principles to existing transportation facilities to help solve transportation problems, and takes in account the knowledge of psychology and habits of users of the transportation systems. What are Traffic Control Devices?

How are speed limits determined?

City ordinance sets the basic speed limit in Springfield at 30 mph. Motorists are to assume the speed limit is 30 mph unless there are signs posting a different speed limit. Speed limits greater than 30 mph can be set on the major streets by the City Traffic Engineer based on engineering studies that include the following factors:

  • prevailing speed of motorists as determined in a speed study
  • roadway development including type of land use, driveway spacing, and parking practice
  • crash experience
  • functional classification of the streets
  • roadway characteristics including alignment, surface, grade, sight distance, and design speed
City ordinance authorizes the Traffic Engineer to post 20 mph school speed limit signs 200 feet beyond the school property on streets where the reduced speed limit is warranted. In addition, City Council has also approved special ordinances for lower speed limits in the Park Central, Commercial Street commercial districts, and the Southwest Missouri State University campus.

When should a traffic signal be installed?

Traffic signals should only be installed when they are warranted as determined by an engineering study. A warranted traffic signal that is properly located and operated may provide for more orderly movement of traffic, and may reduce the occurrence of certain types of crashes. On the other hand, an unwarranted traffic signal can result in increased delay, congestion, and crashes. Installations are based on engineering studies that consider the following:

  • excessive side street volumes
  • pedestrian delays and/or pedestrian safety
  • crash history
  • flow of traffic along major street
  • side street delays
  • uniform traffic flow

Will a lower speed help reduce speeding?

View Will a Lower Speed Help Reduce Speeding brochure.

Will a traffic signal reduce crashes at an intersection?

View Will a Traffic Signal Reduce Crashes on Our Street brochure.

Will more stop signs slow traffic on a street?

View Will More STOP Signs Slow Traffic on Our Street brochure.

Will "Children At Play" signs slow traffic on a street?

View Will Children At Play Signs Help Slow Traffic brochure.

Comments

Please let us know of any specific concerns you may have regarding traffic in Springfield. You may do this online, by mail, or by phone.

Online Service Request Form

840 N Boonville, Rm 102
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 864-1980
traffic@springfieldmo.gov


Traffic Engineering Maintains

  • Over 34,000 traffic signs
  • Over 600 miles of pavement markings
  • Over 135 traffic signals
  • Over 40 miles of fiber optic communications
  • Over 200 traffic counts collected annually

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Contact Us

(417) 864-1980
traffic@springfieldmo.gov
 
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