Transportation

The City of Vancouver provides mobility to the community by managing the existing transportation system and planning for additional facilities to improve our ability to move about our community and region. We respond to requests for traffic control, manage uses of the public right of way, protect the public investment in our transportation network and coordinate those efforts with many City departments, citizen groups and other governmental agencies.

Traffic is an essential part of how we move around the City of Vancouver. The following information is designed to give you the green light for moving throughout our community.

Sidewalks

The sidewalk system is located in the city’s street right-of-way. For the most part, it is the responsibility of the property owners to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property. The property owner is also responsible for removing overgrown vegetation and other obstructions on the sidewalk that affect pedestrian movement.

Stop Signs

Stop signs are not recommended for use as traffic calming devices. The purpose of a stop sign is to control the movement of vehicles at intersections before it meets the criteria for a traffic signal. An engineering analysis determines if a sign request meets the qualifications for installation under federally mandated warrants. These warrants ensure that the installation of every stop sign actually improves the operation and/or safety in the area. The analysis investigates safety issues such as sight distance, collision history and a reasonable service time for side-street users.

Permits

Street Use and Right-of-Way permits allow citizens and others to use the street right-of-way for purposes other than the usual automobile, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Examples are: parades, walking events, construction of curbs and sidewalks, business signs, sidewalk sales, retaining walls, block parties, etc.

Street Improvement Projects

The 20-Year Transportation Plan details the city’s current and future street improvement projects. The Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is also managed by the Vancouver Department of Transportation to improve our overall transportation system. Information about both large street projects and smaller scale improvements, such as bike lane striping, is contained in these plans.

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming works to prevent such things as speeding, cut-through traffic and collisions. There are things we can do to help with traffic calming: assist in identifying your traffic problems; provide information about calming tools; install signs that warn of parks, schools and crosswalks; stripe roadways; and paint crosswalks and bike lanes. You can help by joining others in expressing your concerns to a neighborhood speeder or make friendly requests to neighbors that they drive more slowly. If traffic is particularly dangerous, call the Vancouver Police Department to report your concerns and get help with police enforcement.

Signs and Markings

Signs and markings include any regulatory, warning or guide signs on the roadway. Traffic markings include any roadway striping, reflective pavement markings or roadway delineation. Traffic Engineering reviews and recommends action on citizen requests regarding signs and markings on arterial and neighborhood streets like parking restrictions, street name signs, and speed limit signs. The city uses the “Manual of the Uniform Traffic Control Devices” for the design and installation of signs and markings.

Street Lights

The city’s street lights system includes the poles, lights, foundations and electrical system that are used to illuminate the roadway. Street lights are installed primarily to increase traffic safety and reduce accidents. The city’s street lights system includes the poles, lights, foundations and electrical system that are used to illuminate the roadway. Street lights are installed primarily to increase traffic safety and reduce accidents.

Traffic Control Plans

Traffic Control Plans are needed for activities in or near the right-of-way where equipment, materials or people entering or using the street and sidewalk areas could create safety hazards or traffic congestion.

Traffic Signals

The Traffic Engineering group operates the traffic signal systems throughout the city including signal coordination, installation of individual traffic signals, and, in the near future, the adaptive signal control system. This work group makes decisions about signal timing and hours of operation. Planning, prioritizing and making improvements and upgrades are part of this ongoing work. 

Bicycle Parking and Routes

Explore Vancouver by bicycle. Contact our office for suggestions on routes to ride to work or play, locations for bike racks or new bikeway facilities.

Other Links

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