Can I tour the Traffic Management Center?

Traffic Operations welcomes anyone that would like a tour of our facility. Contact us at 221-6630 to set up an appointment.

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How many roundabouts are in the City?

There are approximately 30 smaller roundabouts in neighborhoods placed for aesthetics and traffic calming. The roundabout at Kechter Road and Ziegler Road is currently the only high capacity roundabout in the City of Fort Collins. View the roundabout camera here.

When and where will more roundabouts be built?

A roundabout at Horsetooth Road and Ziegler Road is currently in the design and planning stage. Construction is expected during the summer of 2007.

How do I drive in a roundabout?

Click here to learn more about navigating a roundabout.

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Why are trains allowed to come through town during rush hour?

As the saying goes, the railroad was here first and the City of Fort Collins was built around it. The reality is that the railroad companies have government priority, always receiving the right-of-way. The best that Traffic Operations can do is to alleviate the back-up once a train has finished crossing at an intersection. The Traffic Management Center gives Traffic Operations the ability to monitor a train’s movement through town and adjust for any back-up that may occur.

The railroad arms are down and no train is present, what should I do?

Do not lift the railroad arms, as it is dangerous and illegal. Traffic Operations does not own or maintain this equipment and cannot lift the arms to allow traffic through. Call the City of Fort Collins Police Department non-emergency number at 221-6540 so that the proper railroad company can be notified.

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I was in a traffic accident near one of the camera locations, is it possible you have the incident on video tape?

The Traffic Operations Department does not record or keep records of the video images.

Are traffic cameras used for police surveillance or investigations?

The cameras are only used to monitor traffic conditions

How many cameras does Traffic Operations have, and when and where will you add additional cameras?

There are currently 26 video cameras on the Fort Collins Traffic System.

Do the cameras monitor speeders or red light violators?

The cameras used for traffic surveillance are not used for any Police actions.

What is the criterion for determining camera location?

The cameras are located throughout the city in an effort to get the best overall images of the traffic system. The cameras are primarily located on heavily traveled corridors.

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Do traffic signals prevent collisions?

Traffic signals can increase safety when used properly but they do not always prevent accidents or help control traffic. While traffic signals typically reduce the number of right angle (broadside) collisions, the numbers of rear end and pedestrian accidents may actually increase.

How much does a traffic signal cost?

Depending on geometrics and the type of signal designed, a traffic signal can cost $130,000 to $250,000. Traffic Operations will install a traffic signal only when other less extreme measures of control are proven to be ineffective.

If a traffic signal appears to be malfunctioning, who do I contact?

Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, contact Traffic Operations at 221-6630. All other hours, contact the City of Fort Collins Police Department at the non-emergency number, 221-6540.

Is it true that if I flash my headlights while approaching an intersection, the light will change to green for my direction?

A traffic signal will not change if you flash your headlights while approaching the intersection. The optical eye at an intersection is programmed to receive a specifically coded flash frequency, designed solely to accommodate Poudre Fire Authority and Poudre Valley Health System emergency vehicles.

How does a traffic signal detect when a car is waiting?

There are two types of detection currently being used in Fort Collins; inductive loops and video cameras.

How does the City determine travel times?

The City uses devices installed in several Traffic Operations vehicles that measure speed, distance and delay. When timing traffic signals, the time/speed/delay study is the best measurement to determine if the signal timings are working properly.

What is the City doing to improve travel times?

The City is constantly modifying traffic signal timings along the major corridors to improve travel time. This is a very time consuming process between the “before” studies, traffic counts, engineering work, implementing the timings, and then the “after” studies.

If I push the pedestrian push button more than once, will the light change more rapidly?

No. The traffic signal is on a specific cycle and will not change if pressed more than once.

Why does a signal change for no reason when no vehicles are present?

These signals are on a "fixed time" cycle (downtown signals for example). Another reason may be the detection on the main street is malfunctioning so each phase of the signal is given time in the signal phasing.

Why do some signals flash at night?

There are approximately 50 traffic signals that go to a flash operation at night. These intersections have very low volumes during the late night and have good sight distance. It is more efficient for the drivers to have a flash operation than running a timing pattern.

Why can’t we get a left-turn arrow at a signalized intersection?

Left turn arrows at signalized intersections are only installed when they are needed to facilitate traffic flow. The addition of a left turn light usually means that progression on the main street suffers. This happens because the “green time” on the main street is then allocated to left turns. In general, if there are more than 100 left turns in an hour and the opposing flow of traffic is more than 500 vehicles, a left turn signal is warranted. Another good “rule of thumb” is if left turn vehicles are generally taking two cycles or more on a fairly regular basis to clear the signal, a left turn signal is then evaluated.

When a traffic signal is flashing, what do I do?

A traffic signal is programmed to flash red or yellow for certain directions. A flashing yellow light means approaching vehicles must slow down and approach the intersection with caution. The yellow is often given to the dominant street. The flashing red light means that approaching vehicles must STOP and treat the intersection as a 2-way stop, waiting for a clear and safe moment to continue on. When the traffic signal is flashing red for all directions, the intersection must be treated as a 4-way stop.

When a traffic signal is completely dark, what do I do?

When a traffic signal is completely dark and no directions are lit or flashing, the intersection is to be treated as a 4-way stop.

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Can we have a speed bump installed in our neighborhood?

In 2003, the City of Fort Collins discontinued installing speed bumps. Traffic Operations found that they are not effective at controlling speeds. Drivers soon recognize that the faster they drive over the humps, the less impact they feel. Speeding problems typically return within a few years of speed bump installation.

Does the speed readout trailer take pictures of speeders?

The speed readout trailer does not take pictures of speeders. It is a traffic calming device designed to alert drivers of their speed and remind them of the posted speed limit.

I’ve seen various "Slow Down For Us" yard signs throughout the city; can I get some of those for my neighborhood?

The "Slow Down For Us" yard signs can be picked up, free of charge, at the Traffic Operations building at 626 Linden Street, Monday through Friday between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

I’ve seen flashing speed limit display signs, how can I get one of those installed in my neighborhood?

Traffic Operations currently has three flashing speed display signs and speed readout trailer. These signs are meant as traffic calming devices which are installed in various neighborhoods throughout the city for a period of one week. To have the speed trailer or one of the display signs in your neighborhood, contact Traffic Operations at 221-6630 to be put on the list.

Does the speed readout trailer take pictures of speeders?

The trailers only flash the speed of the on-coming vehicle. The intent is to let people know when they are exceeding the posted speed limit.

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