The Traffic Division welcomes input, inquiries and requests from the public regarding traffic issues and seeks to address residents' concerns promptly and professionally. These communications are referred to as traffic requests. Traffic requests may be initiated via email, phone 442-339-5332 or by mail.

Traffic signals

Alleviating traffic congestion remains a top priority for the city’s Transportation Department. One way to do that is to adjust the timing of red and green lights based on traffic conditions. City staff continue to make progress on connecting the city’s traffic signals to a high-speed fiber network. Before this network was available, the signals relied on wireless connectivity, which was unreliable and unable to carry the amount of data needed for the signals to achieve peak performance. Using this high-speed fiber network allows more data to travel to and from each signal, which, in turn, allows for better real time adjustments to signal timing.  

Reducing speeding

If your neighborhood is experiencing traffic problems, such as cars speeding down residential streets or using them as shortcuts between major thoroughfares, the city has a program to help. The Residential Traffic Management Program takes a graduated, three-phase approach to help control speeding on Carlsbad residential streets, beginning with less intrusive measures and works through a progression of steps to achieve the program's goals.

• Phase one includes enforcement, education and signs. If those don't solve the problem,
• Phase two includes residential stop signs, speed cushions and speed tables, if not effective.
• Phase three features traditional traffic calming to narrow the roadway, turn restrictions, traffic circles and other more costly measures.

For more information about the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Program please contact traffic@carlsbadca.gov.

Counts

Traffic data is an important tool in evaluating the performance of the city's street network. Transportation division staff collects vehicle volume data on a regular basis and is used, in conjunction with the Growth Management Plan's Annual Traffic Monitoring Program (Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C), to provide vital information residents, business owners, developers, engineers and planners.

Signing & striping

Proper signing and striping is essential in providing drivers with the information necessary to negotiate the city's roadways safely and efficiently. The city utilizes the standards and guidelines found in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

• California MUTCD - Signs
• California MUTCD - Striping

Temporary traffic control

Construction in the city can inconvenience residents and travelers. The Traffic Division reviews traffic control plans to balance the safety of construction workers with the need to minimize delays for drivers.

• 2022 Standard Traffic Control Plan Sheet (11"x17")
• 2022 Standard Traffic Control Plan Sheet (24"x36")

Interstate 5 freeway expansion

Learn more about the I-5 freeway expansion.