Traffic Maintenance & Management
The Transportation System includes streets, highways, traffic control devices, and street lights. City maintenance of the transportation system is shared between the Virginia Department of Transportation, Department of Engineering and the Street Maintenance Division in the Department of Public Works. The Department of Engineering is responsible for traffic control devices, pavement markings, roadside safety devices, City owned lighting and street signs. The Street Division in the Department of Public Works maintains the streets. The responsibility for maintaining street lights is divided between Dominion Virginia Power and the City's Department of Engineering.
Traffic Control System
Traffic control devices include traffic control signals and related communications networks, traffic control signs, and markings, including on street parking spaces. Traffic Operations maintenance crews and sign shop are located at the City's Operations Center. Personnel are cross-trained and install, repair, replace and remove traffic control signs and markings.
Street name signs should include block numbers and the City should use larger blade signs to make the signs more readable. Traffic sign clutter can be reduced by combining traffic control signs on one pole.
Virtually all traffic signals in Newport News are interconnected and controlled by a computer system currently being upgraded to the state-of-the-art. As of July 2006, there were 250 signalized intersections in the Citywide Signal System.
The City received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding to study, design and construct a new traffic signal system that will feature Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) components for improved roadway operations. Computerized traffic signals reduce pollution from vehicle emissions by decreasing motorist's travel times and fuel consumption. Emergency vehicle pre-emption is a standard features that gives emergency vehicles priority through a light cycle. All newly installed signals have the pre-emption feature. In 2007, the City began upgrading traffic signals to LED bulbs that use about 15 percent of the power required by the older incandescent bulbs, and allow for economical back-up power systems at critical locations.
Traffic Management
Newport News requires traffic impact studies for large developments in order to determine future traffic and the transportation improvements that will be required. The City requires a traffic impact study for new uses which generate more than 5,000 Average Daily Trips (ADT). Although this requirement was once appropriate, the threshold for requiring a traffic impact analysis should be lowered to meet the requirements of VDOT Chapter 527 Traffic Impact Analysis regulations.
If a development cannot make physical improvements to the adjoining road network then Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures and TRAFFIX programs should be used to reduce peak hour traffic. TDM measures include bus passes, ride sharing programs, sidewalk connections to transit stops, bikeways, secure and conveniently located bicycle parking and storage, car pools and van pools and providing assigned car pool and van pool parking spaces in desirable locations.
To enhance traffic mobility on arterial streets, the City is planning the implementation of a “responsive” Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to optimize the efficiency of traffic flow along City roadways. An ATMS utilizes the latest technology to monitor roadways, respond to real-time conditions and emergencies, and disseminate roadway conditions to motorists. ATMS generally include variable message signs, signal coordination, and closed circuit television.
Street Maintenance
The Street Division in the Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the City's transportation network to ensure that all streets, and associated infrastructure, are safe and passable to commuters. This involves street resurfacing, regular pothole patching, cutouts where failures have occurred, replacement of defective concrete (curb and gutter, sidewalks), shoulder repairs, street reconstruction, and street sweeping. The Street Division also is responsible for snow and ice removal, citywide leaf collection, and debris removal after hurricanes, tornadoes or other events.
Funding the Street Division's work comes from the City and State. State funding is based on street lane mileage. In 2007, the City received $15,586 per lane mile for principal and minor arterial streets, and $9,150 per lane mile for collector and local streets.
Streets programmed for reconstruction or resurfacing are reviewed by all utility companies before paving schedules are finalized by the Division. Utility upgrades, replacements, or repairs are coordinated prior to reconstruction or resurfacing. Because pavement and curb markings are part of street resurfacing and reconstruction, the Division coordinates with the Department of Engineering to have markings completed by Traffic Operations or a private contractor.
The Pavement Management System developed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is a system wide condition analysis for budgeting and prioritizing street improvements. The system which became effect July 2008.
The Department of Engineering has a program for reconstruction of collector streets prioritization guidelines, and funding. The report list 58 projects containing 30 miles of collector streets needing reconstruction. Of the 30 miles, 8.7 miles should be upgraded from 2 to 4 lanes.
Street lights
Street lights are installed and maintained by Dominion Virginia Power and is authorized by the City. The City pays Dominion Virginia Power a rate based on the Virginia Municipal League (VML) agreement. Ornamental lighting, and bridge lighting are the maintenance responsibility of the Department of Engineering. Developers of new subdivisions pay the City for installing new street lights plus the first year's electric bills for the subdivision. Installation of street lights along major thoroughfares is funded either by the City's Capital Improvements Program or by VDOT.
The Design Criteria Manual specifies use of high-pressure sodium lights in cost efficiency and enhanced illumination for public safety. Residential lighting should be improved by replacing old ineffective lights with new “Dark Sky” luminaries. All standard City streetlight fixtures (Cobra Head) should be replaced with "full cut off" fixtures that are recommended by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).