Traffic Signals

The Traffic Department maintains 11 traffic signals and 15 school zone flashers within the City limits.  These signals are maintained 24 hours a day.

To report a signal problem please contact Transportation and Utilities dispatch at 512-930-3555, or for non-emergencies, you can email gus@georgetown.org.

New Traffic Signals

The City is continuously monitoring traffic conditions on City streets to evaluate where new traffic signals may be needed. An intersection is evaluated on nine different factors to determine if a signal is warranted. Those include:

1 – Eight-hour vehicular traffic counts
2 – Four-hour vehicular traffic counts
3 – Peak hour traffic count
4 – Pedestrian traffic count
5 – School crossing at intersection
6 – Coordination with other signals in the vicinity
7 – Crashes at the intersection
8 – Roadway network in the vicinity
9 – Intersection near an at-grade rail crossing

An engineering and traffic study is conducted at an intersection and scored on these nine factors, which are based on guidelines set by the Federal Highway Administration and Texas Department of Transportation.

Funding for intersection improvements, including new traffic signals, was included in the 2015 and the 2021 City transportation bonds.

If a new traffic signal is requested, the City may initiate a traffic and engineering study to determine viability of a traffic signal.

Unmarked Lanes

• Drive just to the right of the center of the road
• Do not drive on the shoulder of the road
• The same rules for passing and turning on marked roads apply with unmarked roads

Pedestrian Safety

For safe walking, use sidewalks.  When there is no sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the street, walk on the *left side*, facing traffic.  This is contrary to what many people may have been told growing up.  Walking on the left side, facing traffic, enables you to judge when a car may not see you and is coming too close, allowing you time to get out of the roadway.

Children at Play Signs

An often-heard request involves the posting of generalized warning signs with  “SLOW – Children at Play” or other similar messages.  Parental concern for the safety of children in the street near home, and a misplaced, but widespread, public faith in traffic signs to provide protection often prompt these requests.

Although some other states have posted these signs widely in residential areas, no factual evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents, operating speeds, or legal liability.  Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits.  There is a concern that the signs encourage parents and children to believe that they have an added degree of protection, which in fact is not the case.

Because of these serious considerations, Federal Standards do not recognize and actually discourage the use of “Children at Play” signs.  Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities are available for use where justified.

Children should NOT be encouraged to play within street travelways.  The sign has long been rejected since it is a suggestion that this behavior is acceptable.

The City of Georgetown will be taking down these signs as they become worn or damaged.

Camera Technology

The cameras that are currently in use are for traffic and for vehicle detection. None of the cameras are used for red light or speed enforcement.

They are used solely for the efficient movement of traffic.
To report a signal light out or a signal light out please call 512-930-3555