The City installs an average of 3 to 5 new traffic signals per year. Costs range between $100,000 and $150,000 to install a new traffic signal. This price includes designing the traffic layout, the traffic signal controller, signal heads, poles and support, vehicle detectors, wiring, minor sidewalk enhancements, and mounted/hanging traffic signs. Depending on the location, street widening may also be required.

An inoperative or 'dark' traffic signal usually indicates the electrical power at the intersection is temporarily interrupted.

The California Vehicle Code requires all vehicles to stop at a dark intersection and proceed when it is safe to do so. When two vehicles approach the intersection from different roadways at the same time, the driver on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. At T-intersections, the driver from the terminating road shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the continuing road.

Intersections within the City are equipped with inductive loop detectors, which are wire loops embedded into the pavement which carry a small, predetermined electrical current. The metal properties of passing vehicles change the frequency of the electric current which sends a message to the intersection controller computer that a vehicle is either passing over or is present.

Careful consideration is given when installing left-turn arrows because they can reduce the available green time for other movements. In general, left turn arrows are used for the following conditions:

• To mitigate a high accident location
• Where there is excessive dealy for left-turners while waiting for a gap to occur
• Where dual left-turn lanes are required
• Where sign distance is impaired due to a vertical or horizontal curve
• Where a high percentage of buses or trucks are turning left. They require longer haps in traffic before turning.

Most signals on major streets within the City are coordinated together to move traffic in the most efficient way possible. Because of this coordination, it is possible that arterial traffic is not visible to a motorist waiting to enter from a side street. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Moorpark Road, and Lunn Road are primary arterials in Thousand Oaks, and utilize this system. Benefits of a coordinated system are reduced fuel consumption and vehicle emissions as well as a reduction in overall delay. Once motorists enter the main street traffic from the side street, they will find that the coordinated signals will make up for the initial time spent waiting.

The City of Thousand Oaks manages all traffic signals within the City limits. We follow sound traffic engineering guidelines established by the State of California and review intersections every two years to determine if a traffic signal is warranted or requires further review.

Intersections which meet State criteria are prioritized after carefully considering traffic volume, accident history, delay, and other factors.

Pedestrian signals are installed for two main reasons:

• A high volume of foot traffic at an intersection
• Signals directing motorists do not meet the needs of pedestrians

For example, some intersections are laid out at odd angles and traffic signals can't be seen by pedestrians. In other cases, turning and merging lanes make intersections so complex that special provisions must be maid for pedestrians.

Transportation engineers worldwide are moving toward the use of symbol signs in place of word signs to enhance clarity and effectiveness for a diverse range of users. Symbols, such as the walking figure and upraised hand, are universally recognized.

At intersections equipped with pedestrian buttons, the traffic signals are primarily timed for vehicles, not pedestrians. When you press the pedestrian push button, it prompts the signal controller to extend the green time, allowing you ample opportunity to cross the street safely. Remember, you only need to press the button once to activate it. Even with the “walk” signal, it’s crucial for pedestrians to stay vigilant. Drivers may still make turns across the crosswalk and might not always see you, so always keep an eye out for potential vehicle conflicts while crossing.