TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

The Traffic Engineering Department is charged with the responsibility of roadway safety. 
This is accomplished this through:

	•	manufacturing and maintaining City street signs
	•	installing and maintaining pavement markings on City streets
	•	maintaining traffic signals within the City limits
	•	analyzing and implementing traffic signal timing
	•	planning for current and future traffic control needs
	•	mitigating traffic congestion within the City limits
	•	conducting speed studies
	•	conducting traffic signal studies
	•	conducting stop sign warrant studies
	•	ensuring street lights are installed and maintained in a timely manner
	•	providing oversite of the public school crossing guard program
	•	maintaining and policing parking meters

FAQs ABOUT TRAFFIC


Will Child at Play signs help slow traffic?

Will a lower speed limit help reduce speeding?

Will a stop sign help slow traffic on my street?

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS


Parents and Children cross Front St. and Caldwell Elementary.

The Traffic Department utilizes many devices to establish safe routes for children going to and from school including stop signs, traffic signals, painted crosswalks, reduced speed school zones, and school crossing guards. Crossing guards are used where other devices do not provide enough safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.

We operate more than 30 crossing guard stations serving TISD's elementary schools. Middle and High school students are old enough to operate and use the crosswalks and pedestrians signals provided for them.

Safety IS Number 1.  Parents should encourage their children to use marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and crossing guard assistance. The City of Tyler cannot be held liable for children willfully not using the protection we have provided.

Interested in helping out? Check out the City's current job openings HERE.

CURB PAINTING

The City of Tyler does not require address numbers to be painted on the curb, however, the City requires curb painters and curb painting companies to register with the Traffic Engineering Department and be issued a Curb Painting Certificate of Registration.  If requested, the City will provide a list of names and contact phone numbers of all current registrations.  Curb painters are not City employees nor do they represent the City or City projects. The City is not responsible for any disputes between individual customers and curb painters.    

Curb painters are required to abide by the following criteria:

 

·        Registration permits vendor only to provide service in the City of Tyler.

 

·     The City of Tyler does not endorse or recommend any specific vendor. We provide our list of registered vendor company names and company telephone numbers to citizens requesting the service. Your personal information is not released to the general public.

 

·        All work is expected to be completed in a reasonable, workmanlike manner. Vendor is to be held responsible for spills and tire tracking of paint on City streets.

 

·       The curb next to the driveway or directly in front of the house or business is the ONLY place painting may be done. Any other items must be on customer’s private property and not in the public right-of-way.

 

·       Curb painting means the application of house numbers on the curb directly in front of the structure to be identified. Any other marks, logos, or symbols constitute graffiti and will be prosecuted under City Ordinance Sec. 4-100.

 

·       Customer MUST request that the service be done in front of their property. No unsolicited painting will be permitted. (Even if not billed for.) Painting curbs down an entire street and then later asking for donations is not permitted.

 

·       Advertising materials are subject to review by the Traffic Engineering office of the City of Tyler. False or misleading claims will be removed from advertising prior to distribution.

 

·       The background paint and number paint should be in high contrast with each other. Reflective beads may be used. Regular paint may not be advertised as reflective if reflective beads have not been applied.

 

·        Applicant is responsible for correcting any grievances of customers.

 

·       Customer shall be given, as a minimum, the name of person or business doing the work and a telephone number where vendor may be reached.

 

This registration certificate is revocable if applicant fails to abide by these terms.

ROAD RULES
TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS

Do you remember the rules of the road?  Test your memory:
Tx Drivers Handbook.pdf

Do you know the consequences of drinking and driving?
DWI-you can't afford it.pdf

Avoid aggressive behavior  --  Be a courteous driver:
Stop Aggressive Driving.pdf
Road Rage.pdf

Multitasking can useful at work and home but it can be dangerous while driving. 
Distracted Driving.pdf

Tyler is a great place to retire.  Learn some useful tips for older drivers.
Older & Wiser.pdf

There are more motorcycles on the road than ever before.  Share the road:
Look for Motorcycles.pdf

Many people are deciding to ride their bicycle for transportation.  Are you ready to ride safely?
Bicycle Safety for Adults.pdf

Help your children learn to ride their bicycle safely:
Kids and Bicycle Safety.pdf

Every bicycle rider needs a helmet.  Learn how to pick one out and wear it correctly:
Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.pdf

Keep your family safe while walking near traffic:
Pedestrian Safety.pdf

Know what to do on or near a school bus:
School Bus Safety.pdf

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Visit the League of American Bicyclists website.

Visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website.

PARKING METERS

Tyler has metered parking spaces in the downtown area.  Meters are two hour maximum with the exception of four 20 minute meters in front of the Post Office on West Erwin Street.  All meters accept nickels, dimes and/or quarters.   When time expires on a meter, a "P" will display and the number of minutes will start to count upwards and begin to flash.  After hours, newer meters will display the phrase "FREE" and no coins are required.

Parking meters are in effect from  8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday except designated holidays.  Meters encourage parking turnover for customers visiting businesses downtown. Employees working at businesses downtown should park their vehicles in the parking lot owned by their employer or use commercial lots or garages to avoid receiving parking violations for overtime parking.  Feeding a meter (placing more coins in the meter after the 2 hour period is expired) is unlawful and can result in a citation being issued.

Disabled persons and veterans properly displaying special license plates or placards may park at any metered space free of charge. 

Parking tickets are not moving violations and will not raise your insurance rates. However, failure to take care of your ticket may result in a warrant to be issued for your arrest.

Questions and Comments welcome. Contests should be directed to Municipal Court. 

Parking Citations

The City utilizes electronic ticket books that are downloaded into the Municipal Court's computer system every evening.  You may pay your parking citation at the Municipal Court Building or online. Visit the Municipal Court web page to access the online payment service. 

Responsibility

The registered owner of a vehicle by law is responsible for all parking violations committed using that vehicle regardless of who was operating the vehicle at the time.

Failure to Pay

Vehicles with outstanding parking tickets are subject to booting (vehicle held in place by a restraining device) and/or towing at the owners expense.  The vehicle does not have to be in violation at the time that it is seized.

Any vehicle with one or more parking tickets outstanding for more than 30 days may be immobilized by the City of Tyler until payment is received. An additional charge of $50.00 will be added at the time the boot is put on your vehicle.  Additional charges and/or penalties are assessed after a vehicle has been immobilized more than 24 hours.

To get a booted or towed vehicle released, you must come to the Court and pay all fees due.

Please remember that partial payments will not cancel a boot or tow order.

PARKING METER HOLIDAYS

PARKING / SITE DESIGN

Parking lots are reviewed for size and operability requirements as well as Federal ADA accessibility compliance. Both new construction and remodel jobs are required to comply with laws and ordinances governing parking in effect at the time the work is being done.  If you have questions about parking lot or site design or  to schedule an inspection, please call the Development Services Department at (903) 531-1151 

The following documents will help in designing a parking lot to meet the requirements. Approval of parking plan is required to receive a Certificate of Occupancy.

•

Parking Lot Design Guidelines

STREET CLOSURE FORMS

Block Party Form 
For a temporary closure of a residential street for a short duration for the purposes of holding a neighborhood event. There is no fee charged for block parties. Turn this form in to Traffic Engineering, 423 W. Ferguson.

Temporary Street Closure Form  
For a street closure of any kind on collector or higher street classifications. This form is used for community events, construction and repair activities, or other street use needs. The Traffic Engineering, Police and Fire Departments will review and approve or disapprove the closure.  There is no fee charged for temporary street closures. Turn this form in to Traffic Engineering, 423 W. Ferguson or the Police Department, 711 W. Ferguson.

Parade Permit Form  
For conducting a parade or procession on City streets. May include a street closure as part of the event. A $50 fee is required for noncommercial events and $500 fee for commercial events. Turn this form in at Tyler Police Department, 711 W. Ferguson along with fee.

If your event involves activities in a City park, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department.

All forms are due 21 days prior to event.

STREETLIGHTS

City of Tyler Streetlights are primarily maintained and repaired by TXU Electric Delivery. With nearly 7,000 lights in our city and 180,000 in our district, TXU Electric Delivery appreciates the numbers of watchful eyes. If you have trouble with your streetlights, such as damaged or broken arms, missing shades, or most commonly, a burned out bulb,  please report it to TXU Electric Delivery either through their user friendly website at:



    http://www.oncorgroup.com/community/streetlights/default.aspx

    or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-313-4747.



You will need to report the location of the pole such as the intersection of two streets or the physical address of the nearest property, and if possible, the pole number where the fixture is attached.

At some signalized intersections, streetlight lamps are mounted on the City’s traffic signal poles.  These lights are maintained by City staff.  To report problems at these locations, please contact the City at (903) 531-1201 or by email to Traffic Engineering. 

Streetlights are installed in the public right-of-way for the purpose of illumination of roadways for easier navigation by motorists, typically at intersections and on curves. Requests for installation of a new streetlights will be considered using criteria based on existing site features and good judgement.

Streetlights are not intended to be the primary security lighting for households and businesses.  Residents and business owners are encouraged to examine their security and lighting needs and consider installing fixtures on their property.

TAXI DRIVER / TAXI COMPANY INFO

Taxi operators and drivers are subject to operating rules set forth by City Ordinance. (Ord. Sec. 17-130 to 17-140)

Companies

All taxi company operators are required to apply for a permit and are subject to review by Legal staff and approval by City Council.  Click HERE for an application for Taxi Service Permit.

Passengers

	•	Never get into a vehicle providing taxi service that is not clearly marked as a taxi. (Ord. Sec. 17-139)
	•	You have the right to request a receipt upon payment. You must be shown the taxi meter. Rates are as follows:

First Flag (initial fare)	$2.50
Each mile	$1.75
Per extra passenger	$1.00
Waiting time (per hour)	$25.00

Drivers

All taxi drivers operating in the City of Tyler must be licensed by the City. All taxis are subject to inspection at any time.

Driver permits are issued for one year terms and must be renewed annually. In addition to application and fee, potential drivers are subject to drug testing, MVR checks, and criminal history checks.  Click HERE for taxi driver permit application.

2002 TRAFFIC COUNTS

The 2002 traffic count maps are Average Daily Traffic or ADT counts.  These numbers are 24 hour unadjusted axle counts divided by two.  These numbers are not adjusted for trucks or seasonal variations. Traffic Count data is divided among several maps. All are in PDF format to allow easy zoom and print functions. The overview showing map divisions is here. Look at this map to determine the detail map you need. Use your browser's back button to return to this index page. Map A: Northwest of Tyler up to Lindale, includes Swan, New Harmony, and Hide-a-way. Map B:  Northeast of Tyler including Owentown, Winona, and Sandflat. Map C:  West of Tyler including Tyler Pounds Airport, Galilee, and Midway. Map D:  East of Tyler including New Chapel Hill. Map D1:  North Tyler Map D2:  South Tyler Map D3:  Central Tyler Map E:  Southwest of Tyler including Flint, Gresham, and Dogwood City. Map F:  South of Tyler including Whitehouse, and Bullard. Map X:  East Smith County including Starrville and Swinneytown. Map Y:  North Smith County including Red Springs and Jamestown.

                                           2007 TRAFFIC COUNTS

2007 traffic count data was collected in 2007.  These counts are updated every 5 years by the Texas Department of Transportation. 

Average Daily Traffic or ADT numbers (in red) are "raw" 24 hour unadjusted axle counts divided by two.  These numbers are not adjusted for trucks or seasonal variations. 

Annual Average Daily Traffic or AADT numbers (in blue) are 24 hour axle counts divided by two and adjusted for trucks and seasonal variations.

Tyler District Index Map:  This map will help you locate individual maps in the Tyler District grid.

Sheet 35:  This map includes the majority of Tyler inside Loop 323.
Sheet 46:  This map includes the southern portion of Tyler south of Loop 323.
Sheet 34:  This map includes the western tip of Tyler outside Loop 323.

 Texas Department of Transportation Tyler District Traffic Count Maps

	Sheet 1	Sheet 2	Sheet 3	Sheet 4	Sheet 5	Sheet 6	Sheet 7	Sheet 8	Sheet 9	Sheet 10
	Sheet 11	Sheet 12	Sheet 13	Sheet 14	Sheet 15	Sheet 16	Sheet 17	Sheet 18	Sheet 19	Sheet 20
	Sheet 21	Sheet 22	Sheet 23	Sheet 24	Sheet 25	Sheet 26	Sheet 27	Sheet 28	Sheet 29	Sheet 30
	Sheet 31	Sheet 32	Sheet 33	Sheet 34	Sheet 35	Sheet 36	Sheet 37	Sheet 38	Sheet 39	Sheet 40
	Sheet 41	Sheet 42	Sheet 43	Sheet 44	Sheet 45	Sheet 46	Sheet 47	Sheet 48	Sheet 49	Sheet 50
	Sheet 51	Sheet 52	Sheet 53	Sheet 54	Sheet 55	Sheet 56	Sheet 57	Sheet 58	Sheet 59	Sheet 60
	Sheet 61	Sheet 62	Sheet 63	Sheet 64	Sheet 65	Sheet 66	Sheet 67	Sheet 68	Sheet 69	Sheet 70
	Sheet 71	Sheet 72	Sheet 73	Sheet 74	Sheet 75	Sheet 76	Sheet 77	Sheet 78	Sheet 79	Sheet 80
	Sheet 81	Sheet 82	Sheet 83	Sheet 84	Sheet 85	Sheet 86	Sheet 87	Sheet 88	Sheet 89	Sheet 90
	Sheet 91	Sheet 92	Sheet 93	Sheet 94	Sheet 95	Sheet 96	Sheet 97	Sheet 98	Sheet 99	Sheet 100

TRAFFIC SIGNS

New Installations: Requests for new signs should be called in to the Traffic Engineering office.  Typical requests include multi-way stop signs, no parking signs, and speed limit signs. New signs are subject to meeting the installation criteria requirements outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Newly constructed streets must pass inspection prior to the installation of any signage.  Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns regarding traffic safety and operation.  Customers can request a report on the outcome of their request showing actual conditions compared to required conditions.

Sign Maintenance: The sign crew is responsible for manufacturing, repairing and maintaining nearly 90,000 signs in the City. Sign crew employees are are examined and certified by the International Municipal Signal Association.  To report a sign missing or in need of repair, call the Traffic Engineering office or use this web site’s interactive form found HERE.

FLASHING YELLOW ARROWS



The City is implementing the use of flashing yellow arrows on some traffic signals in order to improve safety and reduce traffic delays. 

Currently, a green arrow indicates that motorists have the right-of-way to turn left.  A flashing yellow arrow indicates that turning left is permitted after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.  A solid yellow arrow tells motorists that the signal is about to turn red.

Flashing yellow arrows have been installed at the following intersections:

• Donnybrook and Broadway
• Loop 323 and Old Bullard Road
• Broadway and Heritage
• Loop 323 and Donnybrook
• Loop 323 and Kinsey
• Loop 323 and Copeland
• Loop 323 and Van Highway
• Broadway and Robert E Lee
• Broadway and Front (Highway 31)
• Broadway and Houston
• Broadway and Troup Highway (by Steinmart)
• Beckham and Hospital Drive
• Broadway and Rieck Road
• Fifth and Fleishel Avenue 
• Donnybrook and Troup Highway
• Old Bullard and Rice Road 
• Old Bullard and Rieck Road
• Front (Highway 31) and Palace
• Loop 323 and Paluxy
• Front (Highway 31) and Vine Street
• Loop 323 and University Blvd (Spur 248)
• Troup Highway and Golden Road
• Troup Highway and Lindberg Drive
• Broadway and South Town Drive
• Shiloh Road at entrance to Walmart
• Broadway and Independence
• Broadway and Amherst Street
• Beckham and Erwin (Coming Soon)
• Beckham and Lake (Coming soon)

 

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

The City is implementing the use of flashing yellow arrows on some traffic signals in order to improve safety and reduce traffic delays.  Currently, a green arrow indicates that motorists have the right-of-way to turn left.  A flashing yellow arrow indicates that turning left is permitted after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.  A solid yellow arrow tells motorists that the signal is about to turn red.

The Traffic signal crew maintains 132 signalized intersections, more than 80 school flashers and flashing beacons. Signal technicians are examined and certified by the International Municipal Signal Association for competancy in signal maintenance and operation.

24 hour On-Call Service

Signal trucks are equiped to handle just about any job in any weather. From reconstruction due to an accident to changing bulbs in the rain, they are here to help keep you moving!  Crews are dispatched 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by Tyler Police and Fire Dispatch Center. If you notice a problem with a signal, please report it by dialing 903-531-1000. Please DO NOT dial 911.