The Engineering Transportation Section is responsible for the design, installation, and monitoring of traffic signals, signs, road markings, and other measures to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic on city streets.

Areas of responsibilities handled by the Engineering Transportation Section include:

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

The Engineering Transportation Section determines the need for the installation or modification of traffic signals throughout the city.

• Monitoring and Control
  
  The Engineering Transportation Section operates a computerized central traffic signal system to monitor and control approximately 140 traffic signals of the city’s 150 signals.
  
  
• Signal Priority List
  
  The Engineering Transportation Section regularly evaluates a number of intersections to determine the need for future signalization. From these evaluations, the "Citywide Traffic Signal Priority List" has been developed. This list is routinely updated, as necessary.
  
  
• Timing and Coordination
  
  The Engineering Transportation Section develops timing plans for all city-owned traffic signals. Many of these traffic signals are coordinated with adjacent signals in order to provide better traffic flow along certain arterial street.
  
  

SIGNS AND MARKINGS

The Engineering Transportation Section oversees the design and installation of all traffic signs and pavement markings on city streets.

• Classification of Traffic Control Signs
  
  Traffic Control signs are divided into three categories by their function. Regulatory signs inform motorists of traffic laws and regulations. Examples of regulatory signs include stop, parking, and speed limit signs. Warning signs are usually yellow with black legends and border and give advance notice of hazardous conditions, traffic control devices, and changes in road conditions. Guide signs usually display white letters and borders on a green background and include information such as destinations, street names, services, and points of interest.
  
  Regulatory Signs
  
  
  
  Warning Signs
  
  
  
  Guide Signs
  
  
  
  
• Uniform Guidelines
  
  All traffic signs and markings must conform to uniform standards contained in the State of California “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices".

PLAN REVIEW

The Engineering Transportation Section is responsible for reviewing proposed development plans and traffic control plans for accuracy, safety, and appropriateness.

• Private Development Plans
  
  The Traffic Engineering staff reviews all proposed developments for traffic impacts and determines the need for traffic control devices and other related requirements to be installed by the project.
  
  
• Traffic Control Plans
  
  Traffic Control Plans are required for any construction activity or special event that will disrupt traffic flow on streets. The Traffic Engineering staff will review these plans to ensure conformance to state and local guidelines.
  
  Traffic Control Plan Guide Sheet (195 KB)
  
  
• Traffic Signal & Street Light Design Manuals
  
  The Engineering Transportation Section has traffic signal and street light design manuals intended primarily for use by developers and engineers. This provides equipment and installation as well as design standards tailored to City requirements.
  
  Traffic Signal Design Manual (50 KB)
  
  Street Light Design Manual (59 KB)
  
  

PERMITS

The Engineering Transportation Section is responsible for processing traffic control plan permits and haul route permits that are required for construction on any project that affects the normal flow of traffic.

• Traffic Control Plans
  
  A Traffic Control Plan permit is required for any special event or construction activity in the public right-of-way or private property that disrupts the normal flow of traffic. These permits are processed along with a construction certificate at the Engineering Division Front Counter.
  
  Right-Of-Way Permit Application (36 KB)
  
  Right-Of-Way Permit Fees (73 KB)
  
  Traffic Control Plan Permit (58 KB)
  
  
• Haul Routes
  
  A Haul Route Permit is required for the transport of excavated or fill material to or from the site of any grading or construction operation. These permits are issued through the Engineering Division.
  
  Haul Route Permit (594 KB)
  
  

  TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM

  The City of Oceanside has a Traffic Calming Program as a means of addressing concerns about the speed of traffic through residential areas. The program involves a four phase process that begins with the implementation of less intrusive measures, such as distribution of educational literature and increased enforcement. More extensive or costly measures involving construction of various roadway features, such as speed humps or roadway channelization, can only be considered as a final option if other measures have not proved effective. Contact the Traffic Engineering Staff at (760) 435-3538 for more information.

  Oceanside Neighborhood Traffic Calming Campaign (700 KB)

  BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

  The City of Oceanside has a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator who is responsible for organizing bicycle and pedestrian safety/awareness events, expanding school bicycle safety programs, and is the city’s representative on the Oceanside Bicycle Committee. Additional responsibilities include reviewing proposed development plans for applicable bike lanes/paths/routes, improving signalization for bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and responding to public concerns and requests.

  The Oceanside Bicycle Committee reviews bicycle related collisions, addresses bicycle safety /awareness issues, and discusses ways to promote cycling throughout the city. The committee is composed of city staff, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition members, League of American Bicyclists certified instructors, volunteer bicycle activists, and residents of Oceanside. For more information contact the Traffic Engineering staff at (760) 435-5088.

  The City of Oceanside is now recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Oceanside was awarded the bronze level designation for a Bicycle Friendly Community in September 2008. This bronze level designation is valid until August 2012. Oceanside has approximately nine miles of bike paths, 17 miles of bike routes, and 70 miles of bike lanes.

  The City of Oceanside has completed the updates to the Bicycle Master Plan. The last update to the Bicycle Master Plan was in 1996 as part of the Recreational Trails Element. The newly updated plan was unanimously approved by City Council on December 17, 2008. The Bicycle Master Plan identified existing bikeway conditions; analyzed the needs and future growth of the City’s bikeway facility system; and developed recommendations to create a safe, effective, and cohesive bikeway system throughout the City.

  City of Oceanside’s Bicycle Master Plan (18 MB)

  Oceanside Bike Map

  The City of Oceanside actively supports being a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly community. The City was awarded the bronze-level designation for being a Bicycle Friendly Community in September 2008 by the League of American Bicyclists. Oceanside has approximately 9 miles of bike paths, 17 miles of bike routes, and 70 miles of bike lanes.

  City of Oceanside Bike Map (2 MB)

  The motorist educational video Share the Road: Same Road, Same Rules, Same Rights

  Oceanside’s Pedestrian Master Plan

  The goal of Oceanside’s Pedestrian Master Plan is to establish future planning and design standards for development within the city that focus on creating an accessible and safe physical network for pedestrians. Oceanside’s Pedestrian Master Plan promotes a pedestrian friendly environment through the enhancement of circulation, connectivity, and mobility for pedestrians in the city. Improvements in pedestrian access to the beaches, pedestrian facilities, and the installation of crosswalks and sidewalks are just some examples that aid in creating a pedestrian friendly community.

  The City of Oceanside completed its first Pedestrian Master Plan in November 2009.

  To view the City of Oceanside’s Pedestrian Master Plan, click here.

  If you need to report any maintenance issues i.e. broken glass or pot holes call our Public Works Hotline at (760) 435-4500.

  Bicycles-Vehicles Brochure (96 KB)

  Children at Play Brochure (64 KB)

  RED LIGHT CAMERAS

  The City has contracted with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. to install and operate automated traffic enforcement devices, also known as red light cameras, at certain signalized intersections. Questions about specific citations that have been issued should be directed to the Oceanside Police Department contact listed on the citation.

  
  
  

  TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

  The Transportation Commission acts as the approving authority on traffic and traffic safety related items and acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Transportation Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the City Council Chambers. Contact the Traffic Engineering staff at (760) 435-5078 for more information.

  
  
  

  CITIZEN REQUESTS

  Neighborhood Traffic Request
  Citizen request to address traffic issues within a specific neighborhood

  Street Signs and Markings
  Request Street Sign Maintenance or New Street Sign or Street Markings

  Traffic Control Request
  Request traffic control or traffic calming

  Traffic and Transportation FAQ

  The Engineering Transportation Section gladly responds to requests related to traffic control. Please contact the Engineering Transportation Section at (760) 435-3538.

  INFORMATION BROCHURES

  Based on citizen requests for action or information, Engineering Transportation Section has prepared the following information brochures to discuss issues of greatest concern.

  Traffic Signals Brochure (652 KB)

  Signs and Traffic Signals (2 MB)

  
  
  
  
  

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