To report a problem with a traffic light or to address concerns about existing traffic signal timings, call the 311 Customer Call Center.
If you are calling from the City of Hampton, simply dial 311 on your touch tone or rotary dial phone. From outside the City of Hampton please dial (757) 727-8311. Call takers are available from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week to assist you.
If you are calling from the City of Hampton, simply dial 311 on your touch tone or rotary dial phone. From outside the City of Hampton please dial (757) 727-8311. Call takers are available from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week to assist you.
Traffic signals offer the maximum control at busy intersections. When timed properly they maximize the traffic handling capacity at an intersection. They also improve the safety for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
As traffic volumes increase beyond the capacity of "Stop" signs a traffic signal is considered. Before a signal can be installed a review of both the vehicle and pedestrian traffic is made; the need to provide traffic interruption; special consideration such as curves; and the accident history or proximity of the intersection to a school. Following the traffic study a decision is made to install or not install the signal.
The Opticom system allows Fire and EMS vehicles to control the green light in order to speed response and protect the driving public. There are currently 35 intersections using the system and by the end of 2001 there will be 100 signal lights in the system.
Traffic signals are a very costly investment. Typically, a signal can cost $150,000 for the traffic controller, the signal heads, vehicle detectors, signal poles and supports, and the signal preemption (Opticon) equipment. At this cost, careful consideration is necessary before installing new signals.
At a flashing red light you must stop, yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and proceed when the way is clear. At a flashing yellow light slow down and proceed with caution. When a signal is completely dark, due to power loss, the light serves to function the same way as a 4-way stop controlled intersection and drivers must stop before entering the intersection.
The City of Hampton and VDOT have recently completed a 9 million dollar project to upgrade the traffic signal system by connecting all signals to a central computer. The project also included installation of 14 closed circuit television cameras with additional cameras planned in the next few years.
The goal is to get the greatest number of vehicles through the system with the fewest stops in a comfortable manner. The busiest traffic movement takes priority and the longest master cycle in most systems is 120 seconds.
In areas where a left turn can be made safely without the aid of a left turn arrow, motorists do not have to wait for the left arrow and can save time in hours of lower traffic volume. During peak hours they still have the "leading" left arrow for turning safely.
Pedestrian signals are installed at intersections where there is a high volume of foot traffic or the traffic signals directing motorists don't meet the needs of pedestrians.
A pedestrian signal does not always improve the safety of walkers at the intersection. Motorists and pedestrians need to use extreme caution when they meet at any intersection. Also, pedestrian signals are costly to purchase, install, operate, and maintain.
The pedestrian signal at the intersection is timed for vehicle traffic, not walking traffic. If there is a button to push to activate the pedestrian crossing signal you would need to activate it and wait for it to indicate a safe crossing.
The pedestrian signal assigns your legal rights in the intersection, but you must always be cautious when crossing any intersection.
