FAQs • Campbell, CA • CivicEngage

Why does the pedestrian traffic signal flash "Don't Walk" only seconds after turning green?: After being actuated, the pedestrian signal should display a white walking man for about six seconds. Pedestrians can step off the curb when safe and begin walking across the street. The pedestrian signal will begin flashing an orange upraised hand for several seconds to signify to subsequent pedestrians not to step off the curb. The upraised hand should flash long enough for someone who is already walking across the street to get completely across to the other side of the street. Those pedestrians who began walking across the street during the walking man signal should continue to walk across the street and onto the sidewalk on the other side of the street. The key thing to remember is the purpose of the flashing upraised hand is to communicate to pedestrians whether or not to step off the curb. If you missed the walking man signal, simply press the pedestrian push button again and wait for the next cycle.

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Traffic Engineering

1. Why are there video cameras mounted on the traffic signals?: The cameras serve two purposes. First, they help to operate the traffic signals by detecting the presence of vehicles at the intersection. Second, they help the traffic engineers monitor traffic flow and make signal timing adjustments from City Hall. Campbell does not record images from traffic cameras.

2. How can I get a traffic signal installed at an intersection?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.040 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to recommend to the City Council the installation of traffic signals. Justification for the installation of a traffic signal is based on warrants stated in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These warrants are based on certain traffic conditions that must be met, including minimum hourly traffic volumes and accident history. Based on an engineering and traffic survey, Public Works Department staff determine whether a traffic signal is warranted. Satisfaction of a warrant is not necessarily justification for a traffic signal. Delay, congestion, or other evidence of the need for right of way assignment must be shown. Also, funding must be available since the cost of designing and constructing a traffic signal can easily exceed $250,000. Finally, the City Council must approve the installation of a traffic signal. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing to request a traffic signal or by email.

3. How can I get a red curb installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.24.065 provides the legal authority for the City Traffic Engineer to install curb markings. The city paints red curb to address a safety concern such as driveway visibility. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request red curb. The city currently does not paint red curb at fire hydrants since the California Vehicle Code Section 22514 already prohibits stopping, parking or standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Contact the Police Department when a vehicle is illegally parked at a fire hydrant at 408-866-2121.

4. How can I get a stop sign installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.100 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to install stop signs. Because a stop sign may cause inconvenience to motorists, stop signs should only be used where warranted based on stop sign warrants stated in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the MUTCD 2003 California Supplement. The Traffic Engineering Division will perform an engineering and traffic survey to determine the need for a stop sign. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request a stop sign.

5. How can I get a crosswalk installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.110 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to install crosswalks. Crosswalk markings serve primarily to guide pedestrians into the proper path. Pedestrian crosswalks are intended to channelize pedestrians. Crosswalks do not necessarily increase pedestrian safety as they may give pedestrians a false sense of security. For this reason the Public Works Department's current policy is not to install new crosswalks at uncontrolled crossings. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request a crosswalk.

6. Why does the pedestrian traffic signal flash "Don't Walk" only seconds after turning green?: After being actuated, the pedestrian signal should display a white walking man for about six seconds. Pedestrians can step off the curb when safe and begin walking across the street. The pedestrian signal will begin flashing an orange upraised hand for several seconds to signify to subsequent pedestrians not to step off the curb. The upraised hand should flash long enough for someone who is already walking across the street to get completely across to the other side of the street. Those pedestrians who began walking across the street during the walking man signal should continue to walk across the street and onto the sidewalk on the other side of the street. The key thing to remember is the purpose of the flashing upraised hand is to communicate to pedestrians whether or not to step off the curb. If you missed the walking man signal, simply press the pedestrian push button again and wait for the next cycle.

7. Why are lanes of traffic allowed to be closed during busy times of the day?: The Public Works Department is very concerned about minimizing the inconvenience of traffic delays to the motoring public. Staff makes an effort to coordinate with utility companies and contractors to schedule lane closures for construction and maintenance activities during non-commute and non-lunch hours. However, factors such as worker safety, construction costs and productivity may justify allowing lane closures during peak periods in order to finish work in a fewer number of days.