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1. What are the criteria for having a traffic signal installed?

A study of traffic conditions, pedestrian and physical characteristics of the location is performed at the location to determine if a traffic signal is necessary at the proposed location. This study includes an analysis of certain factors contained in traffic signal warrants and other factors relating to the operation and safety of the location. Through certain warrants must be met to justify the installation of a traffic signal, meeting the warrant requirements does not in itself require the installation of traffic signal.

The warrants are:

• Warrant 1, Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume.
• Warrant 2, Four-Hour Vehicular Volume.
• Warrant 3, Peak Hour.
• Warrant 4, Pedestrian Volume.
• Warrant 5, School Crossing.
• Warrant 6, Coordinated Signal System.
• Warrant 7, Crash Experience.
• Warrant 8, Roadway Network.

2. What are the criteria for having a Stop sign installed?

Stop signed are used if one or more of the following conditions exist: 

• Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right of way rule would not be expected to provide reasonably safe operation
• Street entering a through highway or street
• Unsignalized intersection in a signalized are
• Restricted views, or crash records indicate that a need for control by the Stop sign

Stop signs should not be used for speed control.

3. What are the criteria for having slow children or children at play signs installed?

These signs were dropped from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices in 1961, and have not been reintroduced in any of the subsequent manual. It is important to be aware of the following information; the Town of Hamden has not used "Children at Play", or "Slow Children", etc. signs since the mid-seventies, the logic being that they have no regulatory, or enforcement value, and they lose their warning value because every street qualifies for children signs by virtue of children, grandchildren, or visitors. If every street has a "Slow Children" sign, the sign becomes meaningless, like sky overhead. 

The Traffic Department has followed a policy of posting warning signs for all schools and playgrounds. 25 Mile Per Hour Speed Limit signs are used in all other areas where children are present; this gives the Police Department the authority to arrest violators, rather than a non-enforceable warning sign.

4. What are the minimum/maximum speed limits in Hamden?

The lowest enforceable speed limit in Hamden is 25 mph; the highest speed limit in Hamden is currently 40 mph. Connecticut State Law provides 55 mph as the maximum speed limit unless otherwise posted.

5. What action is required to have a ‘NO THRU TRUCK" sign installed on my street?

A through truck is one that passes through a town without having an origin or destination in that town. Find more information on our Through Truck page.