Traffic Engineering

City Engineer
William C. Bombard, P.E.,

Division Summary

The goal of The Traffic Engineering Division (TED) is to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on City roads. TED issues new Traffic Regulations that govern the use of city streets through the use of Traffic Control Devices as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Traffic control devices shall be defined as all signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian facility, or bikeway by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction.

TED is responsible for the maintenance of Traffic Signals, Traffic Signs, Pavement Markings and Parking Meters on the City's nearly 2,100 streets (366 miles of roadway). In addition, it is the Traffic Engineering Division's responsibility to close City streets for special events and construction projects, and for detouring traffic when requested by customers via the proper permit forms. The Division maintains, installs and collects monies from parking meters generating nearly $500,000 per year.

TED is also responsible for reviewing all off-street parking and curb opening plans that go before the Zoning Board of Review and Building Inspector. The issuance of street/sidewalk closing permits and the review of all dumpster permits are the responsibility of Traffic Engineering.

TED is responsible for the issuance and monitoring of all official temporary parking permits to the City of Providence Employees only and posting Temporary Emergency No Parking Tow Zone signs in areas when requested by individuals or companies who have to work in specific locations for moving and construction activities.

TED performs traffic studies with regard to accident statistical information and traffic counts in the review of requests for stop controls and traffic signals. All requests and time limit parking are surveyed and reviewed by this Division.

TED works closely with the DPW - Engineering Division, Department of Planning and Development and RIDOT in reviewing and approving all plans regarding traffic, parking and traffic control devices.