Signals, Streetlights & Communications Shop

Purpose

The Signals, Streetlights & Communications Shop:

• maintains traffic signals, pedestrian crossing signals, and flashing lights at school crossings throughout the city;
• maintains the decorative City-owned streetlights; and
• installs and maintains the communications systems in City-owned vehicles.

Streetlights

Although most streetlights around the city are owned and maintained by NorthWestern Energy, the Signals, Streetlights & Communications Shop maintains the decorative streetlights around Missoula, such as those downtown.

To report a burned out streetlight, call NorthWestern Energy at 1-888-467-2669, or use their online form.

Traffic Signals

The State of Montana Department of Transportation owns and regulates most of the traffic signals in the Missoula area, and the Signals, Streetlights & Communications Shop is contracted to maintain the signals. Currently, there are 63 signals in our area. We also maintain 23 school crossings with amber flashing lights.

Locations

Traffic signals are placed at a location only when that location meets specific requirements described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD is a Federal Highway Administration publication and is followed to the letter by all agencies involved with traffic signals, street signs, striping, road safety, and more.

Uniqueness

Each traffic signal is different in its own way. It is engineered for its unique environment and utilizes new technologies as they are developed. Some differences in design are simply matters of choice from the engineers. We have many different signal designs in Missoula because many engineers were involved over the years and technology has changed along the way.