How does Miami-Dade County Public Works decide whether a traffic signal should be installed on a State Highway?
Miami-Dade County Public Works follows federal guidelines (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – MUTCD) that establish minimum conditions under which a signal installation should be considered. The MUTCD contains criteria (warrants) which are used to define the need for, and appropriateness of a particular traffic control device. These warrants are usually expressed in the form of numerical requirements such as the volume of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Warrants should be viewed as guidelines, not as absolute values. However, if no warrants are met, a signal will not be installed. Satisfaction of a warrant is not a guarantee that the signal is needed. The warrant analysis process is just one of the tools to be used in determining if a traffic signal is necessary. Engineering judgment should be exercised in making the final determination.
