The purpose of a traffic signal is to assign right-of-way to opposing movements of traffic at an intersection. As such, it may be necessary to install a traffic signal if the traffic volume increases and four-way stop signs do not lessen the problems.

Before installing a traffic signal at an intersection, the following questions must be evaluated:

1. Does the volume of vehicles entering an intersection create confusion or congestion?
2. Is there so much traffic on main streets that it may be difficult for traffic on side streets to cross, and are accidents the result of this condition?
3. Is there an increasing demand for pedestrians to cross main streets?
4. Does the number of school children crossing a busy street create confusion, congestion or hazardous conditions?
5. Will the installation of a signal reduce overall congestion?
6. Does the accident history indicate that a signal will reduce the number of accidents at an intersection?

National standards are used to evaluate intersections that may need a traffic signal. Properly placed traffic signals will decrease accidents and improve traffic flow.

Traffic signal systems throughout the City of Brentwood are constantly upgraded and traffic flow is being improved on major arterials in Brentwood by coordinating or synchronizing traffic signals, which allows vehicles to travel along the signalized streets with fewer stops.

Traffic signals are fully actuated with the following advantages:

• Reduced traffic delays
• Increased pedestrian safety
• Adapted to handle varying traffic flows