Speed Control and Traffic Control Devices
The Bay County Road Commission regularly receives requests for stop signs or traffic signals to address speeding concerns. Although these requests are understandable, stop signs and traffic signals are not intended to serve as speed-control devices.
Stop signs establish which drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way at an intersection. Traffic signals assign right-of-way and manage conflicting traffic movements. Installing these devices where they are not justified may cause unnecessary delays, increase driver noncompliance, and reduce their overall effectiveness.
Public understanding of how traffic control devices are used is an important part of improving roadway safety. The following information explains how the Bay County Road Commission evaluates stop signs, traffic signals, and other intersection controls.
Traffic-Control Standards
Traffic signs and signals must be selected, designed, and installed consistently so drivers recognize and understand them wherever they travel.
The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices establishes national standards for traffic signs, pavement markings, traffic signals, and other traffic-control devices. Michigan has adopted the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which applies these standards throughout the state.
Before installing or modifying an intersection control, the Road Commission evaluates factors such as:
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Vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic
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Roadway speeds and traffic patterns
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Intersection layout and sight distance
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Reported crash history
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Nearby curves, hills, driveways, and other roadway conditions
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The effect on surrounding roads and intersections
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Whether another form of traffic control would be more appropriate
Stop Signs
Stop signs are installed only when an engineering evaluation determines that stop control is appropriate for an intersection. Under current traffic-control standards, STOP and YIELD signs must not be used solely to control vehicle speeds.
Unnecessary stop signs may be ignored and can encourage some drivers to accelerate between intersections. Overusing stop signs may also reduce respect for signs where stopping is necessary.
Depending on the concern, other measures may be more appropriate, including:
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Improving intersection visibility or sight distance
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Adjusting parking near an intersection
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Conducting traffic-volume or speed studies
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Updating signs or pavement markings
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Coordinating targeted speed enforcement
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Considering other safety improvements supported by the study findings
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals assign right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians while helping manage conflicting movements at an intersection. Signals may operate using predetermined timing, vehicle detection, or coordinated timing with nearby signals.
Before a traffic signal is installed, an engineering study must determine whether established criteria—often called signal warrants—are satisfied. The evaluation may include:
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Vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian volumes
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Traffic delays and side-street access
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Reported crash history
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Roadway speeds and intersection design
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Sight-distance limitations
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Nearby schools or pedestrian crossings
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Whether another form of intersection control would be safer or more effective
Meeting one or more signal warrants does not automatically require installation. The complete intersection conditions must be evaluated using engineering judgment.
Traffic signals require a substantial public investment to design, construct, operate, and maintain. For this reason, they are installed only when a detailed evaluation shows that a signal is justified and is expected to improve traffic operations or safety.
Citizen Traffic Concerns
The Bay County Road Commission takes traffic and safety concerns seriously. Each request is reviewed using applicable standards, available traffic information, roadway conditions, and engineering judgment.
Because the Road Commission receives many requests, completing an investigation may take time. Providing the exact location, direction of travel, approximate time of day, and a detailed description of the concern will help us evaluate the request.
We appreciate your patience and your commitment to keeping Bay County roads safe.