Traffic Operations and Planning (FAQs)

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How do I get a street work permit?

Where can I get Traffic Counts?

To request traffic counts within the City of Fresno; please, email [email protected]
Or send a written letter to:
City of Fresno – Traffic Operations & Planning Division
Attn: Records Clerk
2600 Fresno Street Room 4064
Fresno, California 93721

Where can I obtain a copy of an Engineering and Traffic Survey performed for a posted speed limit?

To request a copy of an Engineering & Traffic Survey; please, email [email protected]:
Or send a written letter to:
City of Fresno – Traffic Operations & Planning Division
Attn: Records Clerk
2600 Fresno Street Room 4064
Fresno, California 93721

How do I get a stop sign installed?

All intersections that do not have posted stop signs have the right of way assigned by the California Vehicle code. Requests for stop sign installations can be requested on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1. The requested location will be investigated and studied to see if warrants are met following the guidelines outlined in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The City of Fresno does not install “unwarranted” stop signs.

Request on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1

How do I get a traffic signal installed?

Requests for traffic signals for intersections under the jurisdiction of the City of Fresno may be requested on FresGO or by calling 3-1-1. The requested location will be investigated and studied to see if warrants are met following the guidelines outlined in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. When an intersection meets warrants for signals the location will be added to the Traffic Operations & Planning Division New Traffic Signal Locations list during the annual update. Before signals can be installed they must be assigned funding. The location then must have signals designed and then go out to bid for installation or be constructed by new development.

Request on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1.

How do I get a left turn arrow at a traffic signal installed?

Requests for left turn phasing for intersections under the jurisdiction of the City of Fresno may be requested on FresGO or by calling 3-1-1. The requested location will be investigated and studied to see if warrants are met following the guidelines outlined in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. If a location meets the warrants for left turn phasing the location will be added to the Traffic Operations & Planning Division Warranted Left-Turn Signals list during the annual update. Before left turn phasing can be installed the location must be assigned funding. Then the signal modification must be designed and bid for installation or be constructed by new development.

Request on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1

How do I get an accessible parking space installed in from of my house?

This request must be from the property owner. The request will only be granted when a property does not have a driveway that can be used for on-site parking and access or when necessary to provide a pick-up/drop-off loading space for paratransit.

Request on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1

How do I get speed bumps installed on my street?

To apply for residential speed hump installation or removal, please see the following link – https://www.fresno.gov/publicworks/traffic-engineering/

How do I request to have a speed limit installed in my neighborhood?

Traffic Engineering performs Engineering and Traffic Surveys on every 1/2 mile segment of posted roadway every five (5) years with new segments of roadway being built every year. Residential streets defined by the California Vehicle Code have a Prima Facie Speed limit of 25 miles per hour which are enforceable by the Fresno Police Department. The City of Fresno does not install speed limit signs in residential neighborhoods.

Who should I call if a street light is out or if a traffic signal is not working properly?

Report on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1

Who do I call if I see and intersection or road sign that is covered by a bush, shrub, or a tree?

Report on FresGo or by calling 3-1-1

How do I get a Block Party Permit?

Steps to obtaining a permit:

  1. Obtain the permit form from your City Council representative.
  2. Contact the people that would be affected by the block party to sign the form giving their approval and permission to the permit holder to have the Block Party at the desired date and time.
    Note: At least 50% of the affected neighbors must sign the block party permit form granting approval. The fee for the block party permit is $10.00.
  3. Work with your City Council representative to finalize.

City Council Office
(559)621-8000

To request more information about Block Parties contact the Traffic Operations & Planning Division
[email protected]

What is a Wide Load permit used for?

A wide load permit is issued when the load is oversized or someone needs to bring something either into or out of the City of Fresno limits along various truck routes.  The fee for a wide load permit is $16.00 per load, either coming into or leaving City of Fresno limits.

Permits and Designated Truck Routes 
View City of Fresno, designated Truck Routes 

To request more information about Wide Load Permit; contact the Traffic Operations & Planning Division at:
(559) 621-8800
[email protected]
Or send a written letter to:
City of Fresno – Traffic Operations & Planning Division
2600 Fresno Street Room 4064
Fresno, California 93721

Who needs an Annual Trip permit?

Anyone who either drives, hauls, or tows anything on a regular basis. A wide load permit can be considered the same as a trip permit except for the usage limitation and fees. The cost of a wide load permit is $16.00 per load. The cost of an annual trip permit is $90.00 and has an unlimited amount of trip usage.

Download a Wide Load Permit 
Download an Annual Transportation Permit 
View City of Fresno, designated Truck Routes 

To request more information about Annual Transportation Permit;  contact the Traffic Operations & Planning Division at:
(559) 621-8800
[email protected]
Or send a written letter to :
City of Fresno – Traffic Operations & Planning Division
2600 Fresno Street Room 4064
Fresno, California 93721

ITS FAQs

What is ITS?

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the application of computers, electronics, communications technologies, and management strategies that reduce congestion and increase safety on the roadways. ITS also provides useful, real-time information on highway and traffic situations.

Why do we need ITS?

As metropolitan areas continue to grow, so do the number of vehicles using the roads. ITS is a means to facilitate the flow of traffic on our roads and reduce travel delays.

Where is ITS being used?

Currently on the major streets of Herndon, Blackstone, Kings Canyon, Willow, Chestnut, Nees, West, Bullard, Ashlan, Shields, McKinley, Clovis, Downtown Fresno Street, and Downtown Van Ness.

What does ITS mean to me?

This means by driving the posted speed limit you reduce the probability of being stopped by a traffic signal.This means means you save gas by reducing the “stop and go” driving. This also means your car will contribute less pollution into the air and helps improve air quality. Lastly, the likelihood of accidents are significantly lessened.

Who pays for ITS?

The City of Fresno, in conjunction with federal, local, and private organizations, funds the ITS projects in the same manner in which new highways are funded and built. In most cases, ITS elements are included in new intersection construction projects.

How does ITS work?

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are highway traffic monitoring and management systems which use computer, telecommunication, and video technology to help reduce traffic congestion. Traffic-flow data is gathered electronically. The resulting information is used to adjust and synchronize signal timing to provide better traffic flow with reduced delays. The data can also be used to lessen the impact of construction zones and provide information for alternate routes in case of increased congestion.

Can cameras be used by law enforcement to issue tickets?

No. The video cameras run continuously, but the images are not recorded. The cameras are only used to help ITS personnel monitor road conditions that may affect travel.

What speed do I travel to make all the green light?

Generally the speed is 2-3 miles an hour under the posted speed limit.

How often are the average speeds refreshed on the map?

The average speeds shown on the map are refreshed approximately every 5 minutes.

How accurate is construction information?

The most common reason is due to the weather. However, changes could also occur due to the following reasons: 1)work schedules due to equipment malfunction; 2) late material delivery; or 3) other unforeseen circumstances. The list of planned construction reflects the most up-to-date construction plans possible. However, information is most accurate 24 hours before the scheduled start. We suggest you check back close to your departure time for the most accurate construction schedules.

Why are certain devices not working?

The Traffic Operation Center performs routine maintenance on the cameras; however, there will be times when certain cameras or speed information is unavailable. These devices are used by operators at the TOC and these operators will become aware immediately when problems occur.

Why are some left turns after the signal instead of before?

There are two possible reasons for this. First, there may not be enough room to allow cars to turn safely from both directions at the same time. Second, the intersection is most likely a non standard distance away from another intersection. This makes a lead-lag left turn necessary for timing both directions of traffic.

Why are the left turn lights so long?

The length of the left turn light is set for the anticipated traffic level. Other timing issues may also come into play.

Why does the ‘Don’t Walk’ light start to flash red so soon?

The “Walk” sign is designed to allow pedestrians to enter the intersection. By the time the “Don’t Walk” sign starts to flash, all crossing pedestrians should have stepped off the curb. The pedestrians should have enough time to safely cross the intersection.

Does ITS increase the capacity of the Roadway?

No. ITS does not increase a roadway’s capacity, but it does increase it efficiency.