Agenda Item Wording:
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Presentation by the Traffic Operations Division - Presentation and updates on the Traffic Maintenance Division’s annual tasks and accomplishments.
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Prepared by: Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.city, 713-4186. Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council receive the presentation and updates from the City of Visalia Traffic Maintenance Division.
Summary:
The Traffic Maintenance Division is made up of six employees that are responsible for the operations and maintenance of the City’s traffic signals, street lighting, pavement markings, identification and regulatory signage, and locating and marking of the City’s underground utility infrastructure. The Division currently maintains 137 signalized intersections, approximately 4,000 streetlights, 20,000 regulatory and street name signs, an estimated 1,000,000 square feet of pavement markings, and responds to an average of 9,000-10,000 annual Underground Service Alert (USA) Ticket requests for utility infrastructure location marking.
Background Discussion:
Preventative maintenance (PM) is performed on an average of 10-14 intersections each month. Each inspection includes a thorough check of the electrical systems and components within the signal cabinets, as well as testing and cleaning. Staff verify all vehicle and pedestrian indicators function appropriately, test pedestrian push buttons, and check vehicle detection systems (including video, radar, induction loops, and EMS preemption). Lastly, Staff ensure that signal timing and coordination is current and accurate.
Troubleshooting a traffic signal requires careful thought and years of hands-on experience. A properly functioning signal involves many components working together, from the input file (such as induction loops, video detection, and radar) to the controller programming and timing, output file, and the field wiring.
Staff conduct regular streetlight checks to ensure all city-owned lights are operational. This involves driving through sections of the city and identifying any lights that are out. Since this must be done at night, Staff schedule early morning shifts to allow them to compile a list of lights that need attention. Once identified, faulty fixtures are repaired or replace with new, energy-efficient LED fixture.
Damaged streetlighting wiring is a recurring issue. One of the main causes is damage from ants. These insects often eat through the insulation, leading to shorts circuits and tripped breakers. Ant-related damage must be repaired on a regular basis.
All of the city’s underground infrastructure, including traffic signals, streetlights and fiber optic conduits, storm drain, and sanitary sewer lines must be accurately located, marked, and documented. Everyday each (811) USA Dig ticket that comes through must be reviewed, marked out, and signed off to ensure protection of all city utilities during excavation.
Based on the anticipated life of identification and regulatory signage, the City is divided into 14 sections for efficient replacement. Each section is fully surveyed before placing an order for new signs. Once the order is received, installation and updates to the City’s inventory log take several months to complete. Surveying typically takes place in late winter and early spring, allowing sign orders to be placed and manufactured during the painting season (Spring/Summer). When the painting season ends, the focus shifts to sign replacement, which continues through the Fall and Winter months.
With roughly 115 end-of-road barricades throughout Visalia, a fair amount of maintenance is required each year. Repairs are often needed due to accidents, vandalism, fading from age, and weeds that grow around or in front of the barricades.
The maintenance of most lane striping is completed by a contractor using a specialized paint striping truck designed to efficiently paint long, straight lines. The City is divided into quadrants, and each year the contractor stripes the quadrant diagonally opposite (caddy-corner) to that year’s reclamite project. This rotation ensures all city street lines are refreshed every other year. The Division’s in-house paint crew use a small walk behind paint machine to restripe small sections when there has been pavement repairs by the Street Department.
During the summer months, the paint crew is responsible for refreshing the city’s pavement markings and painted curbs. Staff focus on areas where the paint has become old or faded. The only exceptions are downtown areas and school zones, which are repainted every year.
At the end of November, the team installs all the Christmas decorations throughout the downtown area. Once the holiday season ends, they return to remove and store them for next year.
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
No motion required.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/2/2025
Attachments: Traffic Maintenance Division Presentation.