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Signals Section
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The Signals Operations team manages traffic signal timing for all municipal and state traffic signals to include flasher systems for the Anchorage Bowl, Eagle River, and Girdwood. Most signals in Anchorage are connected to a centralized computer in the Traffic Department office. This allows system operators to remotely check for proper operation of the signals, and remotely download new timing programs to the traffic signal controllers at each intersection.
Signals are generally programmed to run several different timing plans throughout the day. Different timing plans are developed to account for changes in traffic flow that routinely occur at the same time each day. For more information on traffic signal operations and functions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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The Signal Maintenance shop provides the installation, maintenance, and construction support for traffic signal systems within the Municipality of Anchorage. Currently, over 250 signalized intersections are being maintained. Signal Maintenance also provides technical support to the Alaska Department of Transportation for maintenance of traffic signal systems on the Kenai Peninsula and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. |
| To report a damaged or malfunctioning traffic signal, please contact the Traffic Department at 343-8355. |
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The Meaning of Pedestrian Signals
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Some of the Traffic Department's most frequently asked questions are regarding pedestrian crosswalks at signalized intersections. How do they work? Why does it seem like such a short amount of time to cross a busy street? The following is a brief explanation of how pedestrian signals work and what the symbols actually mean.
Where possible, pedestrian signals are programmed to automatically be served each signal cycle, so that pedestrians do not have to push the pedestrian button. This is often not possible due to site-specific constraints, and it is a good idea to push the button if there is one available.
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| All pedestrian crossings are not the same because of varying sizes and speeds of roads. When the white crossing symbol appears it tells the pedestrian to move off the curb and begin walking across the street. |
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The red flashing Hand or Don't Walk symbol appears shortly after the white crossing symbol. The flashing Hand does not mean that the pedestrian should stop crossing the street. This is actually the amount of time allotted to cross the street and any pedestrians who have started to cross should continue, but pedestrians that have not yet started to cross should not begin crossing.
The length of the flashing indication can be quite long. It is calculated based on the length of the crosswalk and the nationally recognized average walking speed of pedestrians.
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| Once the Hand or Don't Walk turns solid, the crossing time is over. You must then wait until the crossing symbol appears again to attempt to cross the street safely. Questions about pedestrian signals should be referred to the Traffic Department at 343-8425. |
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