Transportation and Public Works

Traffic and Transportation

The Traffic and Transportation Division manages the day-to-day operation, safety, and efficiency of Kyle’s streets and mobility network. The division oversees traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings, conducts traffic studies, and coordinates improvements that enhance travel for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Through planning and collaboration with local and regional partners, the division works to keep people moving safely and reliably across the city.

 


Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA)

Per city code section 53-1205, Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) may be required for certain development applications. 

When a TIA is required, a TIA determination worksheet must be filled out and submitted to TPW Traffic & Transportation division for review and approval. 

Following TIA determination worksheet approval, a scoping meeting must be requested with TPW Traffic & Transportation division to discuss TIA scope.  

TIA must comply with the published TIA guidelines 


Frequently Asked Questions

To report a traffic signal outage or traffic signal timing issues during normal business hours, contact 311.

In general, a traffic signal is programmed to provide more green time to the street that has the most traffic. This minimizes stops and delays for the largest number of cars. Therefore, if you are on a side street that has less traffic than the major roadway, you will wait a longer time for a green light.

No. The City of Kyle does not record or retain any video from the cameras in its traffic management system. The cameras you see on top of traffic signals are used to detect traffic for the operation of the signal and to help engineers monitor traffic flow in the city at any given moment.

It is not possible to install a traffic signal at every intersection for a number of reasons, so a particular intersection may not be eligible for a traffic signal. If it is eligible, it may take years before it reaches the top of the priority list for installation.

Other intersection treatments such as roundabouts, reduced conflict intersections, and geometric modifications (curb extensions, etc.) are alternative options.

The installation of traffic signals follows a nationally standardized process outlined in the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD). There is a set of criteria that must be satisfied before a traffic signal can be installed, most of which are based on traffic volumes. Not every street can be given a traffic signal, so traffic volumes are a large factor in determining which intersections will be signalized.

In addition, traffic signals must be spaced at a certain distance apart in order to function well. The intersection of two major roadways is always assumed to be a future traffic signal location, and other potential locations must be spaced at an appropriate distance away. As other traffic signals are added at minor intersections, it further limits the possible location of additional traffic signals.

Finally, the time frame for installation is primarily determined by available funding each year. All intersections that meet the necessary criteria are prioritized each year based on the amount of traffic they serve, an analysis of conflicting movements, and other factors. The city then assigns the available funding to the top ranked locations.

Yes. Pushing the pedestrian button tells the traffic signal you are there so it can provide a walk indication. If you do not activate the pedestrian signal, the traffic signal may not change or may not provide enough time for you to cross the street.

Roundabouts are a proven strategy to reduce injury and fatal crashes compared to traditional intersections. Roundabouts slow down traffic so that when crashes occur, they usually occur at low speeds and are unlikely to cause severe injury or major damage. Roundabouts also help prevent head-on and right angle (T-bone) crashes, which are among the most severe.

You should proceed through the roundabout before pulling over for the emergency vehicle to pass. If you are approaching a roundabout, pull over before entering to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. Never stop within the roundabout, as doing so may obstruct the path of the emergency vehicle and prevent other vehicles from exiting.

Information provided by neighboring jurisdictions has shown that speed humps have not been effective at significantly reducing vehicle speeds, reducing speeds by only 1 or 2 miles per hour and in some cases resulting in higher speeds.

Additional issues with speed humps include:
• Interference with emergency vehicle response times.
• Increased traffic noise levels from engines revving over the humps.
• Increased acceleration between the humps.
• Increased vehicle exhaust emissions from acceleration after going over the humps.

Operating speeds are based more on the visual scene and characteristics of the roadway than on the posted speed limit. As a result, changes in the posted speed limit have little to no effect on vehicle speeds.

A nationwide study collected speed data from 100 sites across 22 states where posted speed limits were raised or lowered by increments of 5 mph. Review of the before and after speed data revealed that changes in speed were generally about 2 miles per hour. Changing the posted speed limit did not have a significant effect on modifying driver behavior.

When deciding whether to place a new sign, we consider several factors including legal and technical appropriateness, likely effectiveness of the requested signage to change driver behavior, maintenance of a consistent approach throughout the community, and effective use of public resources. Studies have suggested that speed limit signs do not significantly modify driver behavior and drivers tend to disregard signs over the long term.

Need to report a Transportation or Public Works issue?

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