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Transportation

Show All Answers

1. How can I report a pothole?

Submit a Report a Concern form here or contact the Public Services Department at (843) 849-2022. 

2. Who do I contact to discuss a signal timing problem I have observed?

Please submit a Report a Concern form here. Please include the following information in your email: the roadway you were traveling on, your direction of travel, time of day, day of the week and a summary of the problem you observed.

3. How do I report a traffic signal that is dark, flashing, or has damaged equipment?

If you would like to report a traffic signal issue that requires maintenance, please submit a Report a Concern form here.  Please include the following information in your email: the intersection location, a description of the maintenance issue.  

4. How do I request a traffic signal be installed at an intersection?

To request that an intersection be signalized please call 843.856.3080 or submit a Report a Concern form here.  Please include the following information in your email: the intersection you are requesting.

5. How does the Town of Mount Pleasant decide to install a traffic signal?

If the location is within The Town’s traffic control jurisdiction, an engineering study of traffic conditions is conducted to determine if any of the Federal Highway Administration's, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants are met.  The MUTCD establishes minimum conditions under which a signal installation should be considered.  A traffic signal should not be installed unless at least one warrant is met.  The satisfaction of a traffic signal warrant or warrants does not in itself require the installation of a traffic signal. Warrants should be viewed as guidelines, not as absolute values. Engineering judgment should be exercised in making the final determination. Additionally, if the signal is proposed on a state road authorization from the South Carolina Department of Transportation is also required prior to installation of a traffic signal.

6. What is the purpose of a traffic signal?

Traffic signals are designed to assign right-of-way and regulate the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at intersections, ensuring the safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

7. What are the basics of traffic signal timing?

Traffic signal timings are determined based primarily on traffic volumes to determine the signal phasing and overall cycle lengths. A signal phase is the time allotted to allow a designated movement to occur and a cycle is one complete rotation though all the phases.

The Town has installed adaptive traffic signal technology into the major corridors (US 17 and Coleman Blvd) which allows the signal phases and cycles to adapt and optimize to varying traffic conditions in real time.

8. Does a traffic signal control speed?

Traffic signals do not directly control speed. Other traffic control measures such as speed humps, speed limit signs, and traffic enforcement, are more effective in controlling speed.

9. Why speeding on US 17 doesn’t pay – An explanation of the Town’s adaptive traffic control system.

The highest concentration of vehicular accidents within the Town of Mount Pleasant occur along our main thoroughfares of US 17 and Coleman Blvd. This is partially due to the roadway volumes, but it is also due to excessive speeds on these facilities. The traffic signal timings are coordinated based upon the posted speed limit of the roadway. If you travel at the posted speed limit there is a higher likelihood of receiving a green signal at each intersection as you progress along the corridor, regardless of direction. Conversely, if you travel above the posted speed limit, you will be more likely to be stopped at a traffic signal prematurely because you will arrive prior to the planned coordination. Beyond the obvious fact that driving within the posted speed limit is in general safer for you and other motorists, speeding will not decrease your travel time within the Town. Please demonstrate caution and show respect for your neighbors by driving the posted speed limit throughout the Town.

10. Does the Town collect video footage from cameras located at traffic signals?

Although there are video cameras at many of the traffic signals throughout the Town, these cameras are for vehicle detection only. The Town does not collect or store video footage from traffic signal cameras.

11. Will a traffic signal reduce intersection crashes?

Certain types of crashes can be reduced in number or severity by the installation of a signal, while other types will increase. Where signals are used unnecessarily, the most common results are an increase in total crashes, especially rear-end collisions. A signal installed at an unwarranted location can contribute not only to increased collisions, but introduce unnecessary delay increasing traffic congestion.

12. Why do some signals have a separate protected green arrow phase for left turns?

Left turn signals are implemented when opposing through traffic does not permit adequate time for a vehicle to safely make the left turn maneuver. They allow for dedicated time for left turning vehicles, reducing the likelihood of collision with oncoming traffic. 

13. How does the Town consider requests for a separate protected green arrow phase for left turns?

Guidelines established by the Federal Highway Administration, Institute of Transportation Engineers and other professional organizations are used for reviewing requests for a protected left turn phase. These guidelines consider current and projected traffic volumes, delay, and the location's crash history. Ultimately, while a protected left turn may be warranted based on traffic engineering studies, the decision to add a protected left turn phase involves weighing multiple factors. 

14. When is a right turn lane or left turn lane justified?

Right and or left turn lanes may be installed if a traffic engineering study performed determines that such an installation is justified. 

15. What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?

A flashing yellow arrow indicates that the driver should proceed with caution in a yield condition to opposing traffic.

16. What does a flashing yellow ball mean?

A flashing yellow ball indicates that the driver should proceed with caution through the intersection. That driver still has the right-of-way and the signal is likely in flash mode and requires maintenance.

17. What does a flashing red ball mean?

A flashing red ball indicates that the driver should stop at the intersection and acts like a stop sign would at unsignalized intersections. If a flashing red ball is indicated, the signal is likely in flash mode and requires maintenance.

18. Why does the signal sometimes skip a phase?

This may occur when detection is not properly functioning. This can also occur if a vehicle arrived late in the detection period and therefore the phase is skipped until the following cycle.

19. How do I get my private road accepted for public maintenance?

The applicant is required to provide the roadway, drainage and legal information in addition to ownership records required in the Improved Private Road Acceptance Form.

20. When will my street be repaved?

Prioritizing the resurfacing of existing paved roads will be done utilizing our computerized Pavement Management System, which is based on the technical evaluation of the overall condition of each road.  This eliminates the need for request for resurfacing of specific roads.  If you have questions regarding the Town's resurfacing program or the Pavement Management System, you may contact Town staff at (843) 856-3080.

21. How do I report broken/fallen street signs?

The Public Services Department is responsible for the maintenance of existing street signs on all Town owned roads. Call (843) 849-2022. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is responsible for the maintenance of state owned roads.  Call (843) 740-1665.  Charleston County is responsible for the maintenance of county roads. Call (843) 202-6140.

22. How can my neighborhood request traffic calming devices such as speed humps?

The Town of Mount Pleasant Transportation Department offers traffic calming solutions through the Traffic Calming Program.  The program currently employs two types traffic calming devices, speed humps and all-way stop controls. The Transportation Department staff accepts application for the Traffic Calming Program each July.  However, requests can be made to the Transportation Department anytime during the year and staff will confirm the street section is eligible for the program.  

Traffic Calming Guidelines

23. How can I determine if my street is owned/maintained by the Town?

Contact the Transportation Department at (843) 856-3080.

24. Do I need a permit from the Town to replace/repair my driveway?

You do not need a permit to replace/repair residential driveways. However, in the event a homeowner wishes to extend or build a new driveway over an easement or right of way, the Town requires the homeowner to obtain an Encroachment Permit. Please contact David McLawhorn, Senior Roadway Inspector, at 843-856-3080 or dmclawhorn@tompsc.com for questions regarding Encroachment Permits. 

25. Who do I call to request a street light?

Call William Horne, Planning  Deputy Director, at (843) 884-1229 for street lighting requests or email: whorne@tompsc.com

26. Where can I find information on Transportation Impact Fees?

Please use this link to view the Transportation Impact Fee Schedule  or reference the Code of Ordinances for additional information by following these steps: Go to official Town Website. Click - Government Click - Code of Ordinances Click - View Code In quick search box type - 154.01 which starts Title for Municipal Impact Fees Transportation Impact Fees start at 154.08 and ends 154.16 liberal construction; violations

27. Are the traffic signals synchronized?

The Town uses both coordinated and free or tuneless modes. 

During the majority of the day, coordination occurs between signals along our major corridors. Coordination is largely a strategic approach to synchronize signals together to provide smooth flow of traffic in order to reduce travel times, stops and delay along a corridor. 

Free or tuneless mode operation is generally utilized at traffic signals that are isolated and are not in close proximity to other traffic signals. This operation is also utilized in the lowest traffic volume periods between 11pm and 6am to reduce overall intersection delay.