The Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for managing the safe and efficient flow of traffic on the streets inside the city. The division encompasses a section that maintains traffic signs, markings and traffic control for special events; a traffic signal section that maintains traffic signals and operates the computerized signal system; and a traffic engineering section that provides engineering support and traffic studies. The division provides a variety of services to the community, including installation, maintenance, and monitoring of traffic signals; installation and maintenance of street signs and pavement markings; development and installation of traffic calming strategies; and development and installation of special transportation projects.

The City Traffic Engineer is Rusty Thompson.

339 Alexander Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 433-1153

Where do I call if I see a problem with a traffic signal?

The Traffic Services Division Traffic Signal Maintenance Section maintains most of the traffic signals and a small number of traffic warning beacons (flashers) within our city. Report malfunctions, damage, or other related problems for all traffic signals and warning beacons located within the city limits to the Traffic Services Division at (910) 433-1660 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.). After business hours and on weekends or city holidays call (910) 433-1912.

How do I request a new traffic signal installation?

You can call and place a request for a new traffic signal to Rusty Thompson, City Traffic Engineer, at (910) 433-1153.

How does a pedestrian signal work?

Once a pedestrian indication starts, there can be some confusion as to the meaning of the signal indications. The first indication is a white walking man. This symbol means the pedestrian can start walking in the direction of the signal. This is followed by a flashing hand symbol. The flashing hand does not mean that the pedestrian should stop crossing the street. When this symbol is shown, any pedestrians who have started to cross the street should continue crossing, but pedestrians that have not yet started to cross should not begin crossing.

The length of the flashing indication can be quite long. It is calculated based on the length of the crosswalk and the nationally recognized average walking speed of pedestrians. A flashing hand terminates with a solid hand symbol. Pedestrians should not be in the crosswalk when this symbol is showing.

What should I do if I damage a line while digging?

The traffic system in Fayetteville requires reliable detection and data communication. To ensure this we need the cooperation of contractors working within our service area. When digging within 500 feet of a signalized intersection, please contact Traffic Services at (910) 433-1795. Please allow 48 hours for a location. However, if you hit a line, contact us immediately so traffic operations can repair the problem.

Reporting Damaged Signs

If you notice a missing or damaged STOP sign or any other sign problem that poses an immediate danger to the public, please call 911. For any other sign or pavement marking questions, requests or comments, please contact Dean Sears at 910-433-1521

Traffic Studies

How do I find out how much traffic there is, or how many accidents there have been, at a specific location?

Some streets in the city belong to NCDOT and some belong to the city. You can call at (910) 433-1660 and we will determine whose street it is and direct your concern appropriately.

Multi-way STOP requests

When a request for a multi-way stop is received, we analyze the intersection, conduct an engineering study on the area and determine whether the requested study area meets the warrants analysis for the proposed traffic control measure.

Corner visibility/sight distance issues, speed limit requests, and traffic calming requests can be made to Ramon Melendez at (910) 433-1090.

Residential Traffic Management Program

The goals of the Residential Traffic Management Program include: Improving residential livability by encouraging adherence to the speed limit, maintaining access, safety and comfort for alternative transportation users on residential streets and encouraging citizen involvement in solutions to residential traffic problems. Other goals are: Appropriately channeling public resources by prioritizing traffic mitigation requests according to documented criteria and effectively addressing the frequently conflicting public safety interests of traffic mitigation and emergency response.

A request to consider modification of traffic flow on public streets must meet certain criteria. Multi-way stops on residential collector streets must also meet criteria. A residential collector street is defined as a street that has residential frontage and collects traffic from other residential local streets. Multi-way stops can be considered for installation when the street being evaluated meets the following criteria.

Petitions requesting traffic flow modifications must be supported by 75 percent of the total number of households directly affected by the proposed changes; one household, one signature minimum, 85 percent of all affected households that may need to use the street(s) on a daily basis must be contacted for petition to be accepted by the City. Persons submitting a petition must attempt to contact all affected parties. The households immediately adjacent to the proposed improvement must accept the proposal 100 percent.

For more information, call 433-1660.

Corner Visibility

No fences, walls, shrubbery, signs or other obstructions, between the heights of 2-1/2 feet and 15 feet are permitted within 20 feet of the intersection of two streets, except in the central business district.

Poles, wire and basketball goals

A permit is required to:

• Erect a pole, standard or tower
• Make or dig any hole
• Make any excavations
• Dig into any street, sidewalk, alley or any thoroughfare dedicated to public use
• String any wires or cause any wires or conduits to be placed, overhead or underground, upon any pole, standard or tower upon or under any street, thoroughfare, alley or building in the city.
• Basketball goals, either permanent or portable, cannot be placed adjacent to or in streets.