Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Metro District Traffic Engineering

Signal Operations

Orange barrels on a highway

About Signal Operations

What we do

Signal Operations is responsible for the operation and timing of the traffic signals on the Highway System within the Twin Cities Metro area. The Signal Operations unit currently operates 635 signals, most of which are owned by the state. Also included in the unit is arterial modeling, and signal construction inspection. 

Operations staff is responsible for the timing and operation for all the traffic signals. This involves developing timing and coordination plans, responding to customer complaints and inquires, monitoring system performance and detecting operational and maintenance problems. 

Operations staff also develops and analyzes existing and projected traffic patterns on arterial roadways to determine their impact to the traveling public. They provide support to construction by staking, providing quality control and inspection, coordinating signal turn-ons, and coordinating activities between signal operations, ESS, and the contractor. Signal construction contact map (PDF)

The Operations unit assists others in signal related training and in developing new techniques and procedures in signal operation and construction.