Field Operations

​​Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings

The Field Operations division improves the mobility of the traveling public and pedestrians in our community to increase safety for all citizens by guiding, warning, and regulating traffic in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The exception to this rule is at TxDOT controlled thoroughfares.


Traffic Signs

The Traffic Signs division fabricates, installs, repairs and maintains nearly 160,000 traffic control and street name signs in Dallas. The destruction or theft of traffic signs is a tremendous safety hazard. Some signs are essential for public safety and are handled as emergencies and replaced within 24 hours. These would include Stop, Yield, Do-Not-Enter, One Way, Detour, warning signs and school signs.

Traffic signs are divided into four classifications:

  • Regulatory (Stop, Yield, No Parking and One-Way signs)
  • Warning (Curve and Pedestrian Crossing signs)
  • Guide (Scenic Route signs)
  • Destination (street name signs)


Pavement Markings

The pavement markings division installs and maintains traffic pavement markings. Traffic markings include street striping, such as crosswalks, center lines, lane lines, street legends, curb markings, and markers, such as reflectors and ceramic markers. Striping is applied with specialized fast drying paint with reflective beads, highly thermal plastic. Raised pavement markers highlight traffic lanes in low light conditions and inclement weather. The City paints more than 580 miles of lines per year along with crosswalks, stop bars, symbols and curbs. 

Other functions include:

  • Installation of Traffic Calming Measure Devices
  • Neighborhood Street Topper signs
  • School Zone Assessments


Why are traffic signs important?

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, create the rules and regulations of traffic signs for the nation. Years of statistics have been used to implement the traffic signs that are used in the City of Dallas.

Traffic signs provide critical information to drivers on the roadway. Traffic signs are a safety precaution as well as an informational resource. Keeping traffic signs maintained and easily viewable benefits everyone. Traffic sign maintenance is an essential service that every community needs filled.

  • Safety: Signs ensure that each driver is aware of the rules and hazards of the road.  "Stop and yield" signs also prevent accidents.
  • Efficiency: Signs ensure cars move at the correct speed and in the correct direction to keep traffic flowing uniformly.
  • Warnings: Road signs give drivers warnings of potential hazards they may encounter on the road and around each corner.
  • Direction: Destinations are found using the traffic signs that are posted for motorists as they travel on roadways. Even with the latest technology of GPS units, without signs pointing out locations and directions, people would be constantly lost and emergency services (Police, Fire and Medical) would have a difficult time reaching their destinations.


Requesting a Neighborhood Watch Sign

The neighborhood must organize a Crime Watch Program with a police officer who will explain the procedure at a neighborhood meeting. The neighborhood will decide the preliminary boundaries and will submit a Request for Neighborhood Watch Sign form to the Dallas Police Department for approval and then route it to the Dallas Department of Transportation Field Operations division. The form will have the signatures of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Committee Chairman and the Dallas Police Officer working with the Community Services Division handling the case. It will also include a map outlining the area in question which will be field checked by an engineer.

After the request is approved, the requestor will be responsible for contacting the Transportation Field Operations division located at 3204 Canton, Dallas, TX 75226 or by calling 214-670-3324 to purchase the sign(s) and schedule for the installation. 



Resources

Below are links to some of the resources commonly used for Field Operations in DDOT. These sources serve both as regulatory guidance and best management practices, whether throughout the industry or specifically to City of Dallas operations.


​Sherrelle D. Russell, P.E.
Senior Program Manager
sherrelle.russell@dallascityhall.com
(214) 670-3123