Traffic signals promote the proper use of right-of-way at intersections and contribute to the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The Traffic Engineering Section is responsible for assessing, co-ordinating, installing, operating and maintaining the nearly 250 signalized intersections in Saskatoon. More than half of the traffic signals in Saskatoon are controlled by a centralized computer for real-time operations monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t I get a left-turn arrow?

Why didn’t I get a green light?

What are the criteria for installing traffic signals?

What are the criteria for installing a left-turn arrow?

Why does the green light seem shorter at different times of day?

Why didn’t I get a left-turn arrow?

A left-turn arrow typically comes on when a vehicle detector determines that there is a miniumum of four to five vehicles in a turning lane. Otherwise, it is generally assumed that one to three vehicles will be able to turn left on the solid green when adequate gaps appear in the oncoming traffic, and/or will clear the intersection during the amber/red light.

Why didn’t I get a green light?

Many signalized intersections in Saskatoon have vehicle detectors located at the stop lines on side-streets which activate the green light. If you waited an excessively long time without receiving a green light, it is likely that your vehicle was not seen by the detector. Be sure to stop at the stop line to ensure that your vehicle is detected by the sensors.

What are the criteria for installing traffic signals?

Several issues are considered when determining if an intersection should have traffic signals including:

• Vehicle and pedestrian volumes on the main street and side street(s);
• Collision history;
• Traffic and roadway characteristics, such as vehicle speed and traffic delays; and
• Intersection lane configuration, sight lines and grades.

What are the criteria for installing a left-turn arrow?

The issues considered for the installation of a left-turn arrow include, but are not limited to:

• Vehicle demand for left turns;
• Delays experienced by left-turning vehicles during peak hours;
• Collision history involving left-turns;
• Approaching traffic speed; and/or
• Existing roadway lane configuration, sight lines, grade and visibility.

If a dedicated left-turn lane is not available at an intersection, it is unlikely that a left-turn arrow will be installed because of the additional traffic delays that can occur when left-turning vehicles are not separated from through traffic.

Why does the green light seem shorter at different times of day?

The length of time that a traffic signal on a side street stays green varies in proportion to the volume of traffic approaching the intersection. The green light may be fairly short (7 to 10 seconds) for one or two vehicles, but may be extended if there are additional vehicles, up to the maximum time allocated.

Most intersections have different timing schedules depending on the time of day. The timing may include extending or shortening the cycle length and/or providing more green light time during high demand.

There are three basic time-of-day settings:

• Off Peak;
• Morning Peak; and
• Afternoon Peak.