Engineering - Traffic Division

The Traffic Division of the Engineering Department is responsible for the engineering, design, installation, and maintenance of all traffic control devices, including signals, signage, and lane markings. Speed limits are also established by this group, which conducts speed studies in some cases to determine if a speed limit should be changed. Various traffic studies are performed in the planning of future roadway projects utilizing data that is collected and maintained by the Department, including traffic counts and accident data.

Below you will find links to brochures, traffic counts, and outside web sites with helpful and oft-requested information. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Traffic Division at 513-785-4109 or email us at info@bceo.org.

ABOUT ROUNDABOUTS Traffic roundabouts will be making their first appearances on major Butler County roads during 2008. Roundabouts will be built at the Hamilton Mason Road / Liberty Fairfield Road / Vinnedge Road intersection as well as at the Lakota Drive West and Eagleridge Drive intersection. This alternative to typical at-grade intersections offers improved safety while keeping traffic flowing at slower speeds through the intersection. Some motorists may require a little tutoring on just how roundabouts function and how to best use them. So we've assembled a brochure that explains the benefits of a roundabout and how to approach, yield, enter, and exit a roundabout. * Guide to Single-Lane Roundabouts

SUMMER ROAD SAFETY TIPS * Summer Road Safety Tips by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety

TRAFFIC COUNTS * Traffic counts by township and road * Traffic count map

TRAFFIC SIGNALS The BCEO maintains 68 traffic signals. The timing and operation of these signals are carefully observed by the Traffic Division. * BCEO traffic signal maintenance list * Traffic Signals 101 - A primer for the geek in all of us. Answers questions such as 'What are the parts of a traffic signal?' and 'What is signal timing?' We are often asked why we can't install signals at a dangerous intersection to make it safer. It isn't that simple. Like speed limits, which you'll read about below, there are strict guidelines set forth by the State of Ohio that govern the use of traffic signals. For an in-depth explanation, please see Question 10 on the FAQs page: * FAQ Q10: Why can't you install traffic signals at an intersection or turn it into a four-way stop?

SPEED LIMITS Speed limits are not randomly set. They are strictly determined by the State of Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, per the Ohio Revised Code. Every speed limit change must be approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). A speed study must be performed and submitted to ODOT for approval. There are many variables that are looked at as part of the study. * Speed limit study process * Butler County speed zone map For a more in-depth explanation of speed limits and how they are determined, please see Question 9 on the FAQs page: * FAQ Q9: Why can't you lower the speed limit on my road? How are speed limits determined?

OHIO MANUAL OF UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES and TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MANUAL All signing, speed limits, and traffic control devices are regulated by the State of Ohio. The State has implemented these rules to provide uniformity throughout Ohio which makes driving safer for all motorists. These regulations are set forth in a 900-plus page guidebook called the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD). The Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM) has been developed to assure uniformity in application of ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) traffic engineering policies, guidelines, standards, and practices. The OMUTCD establishes the basic, minimum traffic control standards for all public roadways in Ohio, and all supplemental ODOT traffic engineering design, construction, and operations related information is either contained in the TEM or referenced from it. * Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices - 2005 (Large PDF. File may take some time to download.) * Traffic Engineering Manual - 2008 (Large PDF. File may take some time to download.)

WARNING SIGNS OF INTEREST * Children At Play signs - ODOT guidelines * Hidden Drive signs - ODOT guidelines * Trucks - No Engine Braking - ODOT sign guidelines

TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY * BCEO Traffic Impact Study Guidelines, eff. February 2006

ACCESS MANAGEMENT Access Management is the process by which government agencies regulate the location and spacing of driveways, street connections, median openings, and traffic signals. * Why Access Management / safe access is important and good for business * BCEO Access Management Regulations Manual, eff. January 1, 2005

SAFETY Safe and efficient motoring for the transport of goods and people is what the Butler County Engineer's Office is all about -- making our roads, bridges, and intersections safer by easing congestion, upgrading to modern design standards, and eliminating dangerous situations. You the motorist can help too by practicing safe driving at all times. Take our quiz below and also check out our list of safe driving tips. * Driver safety quiz * Safe driving tips

LINKS * Ohio State Highway Patrol 2008 Statewide Fatal Crash Maps - by county * Ohio State Highway Patrol - LifeStat: The 24/7 Initiative