Georgetown Transportation

Traffic and Signals FAQ

Information below addresses frequently asked questions about traffic signals, pedestrian safety, traffic cameras, and pedestrian safety near schools.

Traffic signals

Public Works Signal Operations maintains 56 traffic signals and 16 school zone flashers within the city limits.  These signals are monitored 24 hours a day.

To report a signal problem, please contact Customer Care dispatch at 512-930-3640, or for non-emergencies, you can email transporation@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. To request a new traffic signal, email transporation@georgetown.org.

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.

Awareness, by both drivers and pedestrians, is the way to stop tragic pedestrian accidents. These accidents can happen when either the pedestrian or the driver are inattentive or careless. When it comes to pedestrian versus vehicle, the pedestrian always loses because of the size and weight of the vehicle.

Fortunately, these types of accidents are rare. There is little a pedestrian can do to improve a driver’s habits, or that drivers can do about the behavior of pedestrians.

But there are steps each can take to be more careful. Pedestrians can stop faster and maneuver easier than vehicles can, so pedestrians can do much to increase their own safety.

  • You do have the right of way when crossing the street, but yielding to any vehicle is far safer.
  • Look LEFT – RIGHT – LEFT prior to entering the street. Give drivers ample time to stop prior to entering the crosswalk.
  • Always be aware of turning vehicles and make eye contact with the driver whenever crossing the street. If eye contact is not made, they don’t see you.
  • Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
  • Dress to be seen. Wearing bright/light colored clothing helps drivers see you. Reflective clothing is the best.
  • If crossing a multiple lane roadway, you should make sure each lane is clear before you proceed.
  • Remember telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers’ ability to see you.
  • Turn off your headphones while crossing the street so you can hear approaching traffic.
  • In areas without sidewalk, remember to walk facing on-coming traffic.
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.

Traffic safety at your school

Safe Walking Tips

  1. Cross only at crosswalks or at corners.
  2. Look all ways before crossing.
  3. At signalized crosswalks, cross only at the proper signal
  4. Avoid crossing between parked cars.
  5. Use sidewalks. When there is no sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the street, walk on the left side, facing traffic.
  6. Wear or carry reflective material at night to help drivers see you.
  7. Observe and Obey police officers, crossing guards, school safety patrols, traffic signs and signals.
  8. Walk and cross streets with other groups of children for better visibility by drivers.

Safe Bicycling Tips

  1. Always wear a Bicycle Helmet!
  2. Be sure your Bicycle is in good working order: brakes working, seat property adjusted, reflectors, & proper tire pressure.
  3. Obey all traffic rules: Stop signs, traffic signals and crossing guards.
  4. Wherever possible ride on bike paths or on sidewalks for younger children. Older children riding in street should always ride on the far right side of the street or in a bike lane.
  5. Use hand signals:
  6. Always stop before entering traffic from a driveway or sidewalk, and give vehicles & pedestrians the right-of-way.

Safe Driving Tips

  1. Obey traffic laws
  2. Carpool with neighbors to reduce the number of cars at the school.
  3. Be patient and allow extra time to drop-off and pick-up students – especially during inclement weather.
  4. Don’t stop in moving traffic to load or unload your child.
  5. If streets adjacent to school are congested park one or two blocks away and walk your child to/from school.
  6. Set an example for your child by using crosswalks and obeying signs, signals and crossing guards when walking your child between the school and your car.
  7. Be on the lookout for children and yield to pedestrians.
  8. Buckle up!
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