Traffic Signals & Signs

Traffic & Pedestrian Signals

• Flashing Traffic Signals

  While signals are in ‘flash’, motorists are expected to treat them as an all-way stop. If you see an isolated incident and you do not see workers present, please contact Service Barrie with the intersection, time of day and description of the issue: 705-726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca.

• Traffic Signals Timing near Construction Zones

  Traffic Services modifies the signal timings where construction will last a long duration. The timings are modified to suit the construction but staff must always must be mindful of “Local Traffic,” pedestrians or other users that are permitted to enter and exit the Closed Construction Area (including the cumbersome and slow-moving construction vehicles). It is often not possible to turn the signal off or leave them green indefinitely.

• School Zone Flashing Signals​

  School zone fla​​shing signals are tied to school arrival and departure times and do not operate outside of those days/​times.​

  Existing flashing speed limit signs must be covered when automated-speed enforcement (ASE) cameras are active. See ASE Signage for detail.

• Pedestrian Signals

  Pedestrian signals help pedestrians cross at intersections with traffic signals. The signal for pedestrians to walk is a white walking symbol. A flashing or steady orange hand symbol means pedestrians must not begin to cross. A pedestrian facing a walk signal may cross the road in the direction of the signal.

  At a traffic signal, the major roadway will have a green signal display and walking man display forever until a vehicle hits the vehicle detector or the pedestrian pushes the button; at that time, the signal will change. This is to make the intersection more efficient and reduce delays for the majority of traffic, and is a typical practice for the minor roadway at traffic signals.

  When a vehicle drives over the detector it sends a signal to the cabinet to change and provide roughly 10 seconds of green time; this time will extend if multiple cars arrive, adding 3 seconds to the timing for every vehicle approaching. When a pedestrian pushes the button, this switches, giving the maximum amount of pedestrian time available.

  Forcing the pedestrian to push the button (as outlined on these signs at applicable intersections) guarantees the maximum amount of walking time to begin crossing on a fresh walking man display. If the signal came up automatically for the minor streets, it may be on for 5 seconds already so if the pedestrian begins to cross, he/she will not make it in time.

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• Why are Mapleview Drive, Bayfield Street and other major roads congested during peak hours?

  Traffic signals are timed to move the maximum number of vehicles through an intersection and along a corridor in the safest and most efficient manner. Many factors add to the difficulty of minimizing stop-and-go traffic in all directions: closely spaced signals; intersections where major streets cross; changes in traffic volume; traffic collisions; emergency vehicles; roadwork; and weather.

  Please note: BFES vehicles have the ability to change the signal to green or hold the green. This can disrupt timing patterns for up to 10 minutes after a fire vehicle has left the intersection.

• Do traffic signals or stop signs control speeding?

  Traffic signals are not intended to be used as a speed control device, but rather a guide for drivers and pedestrians traveling through intersections and along roads.

  Stops signs are not intended to be used as a speed control device. Extensive stop sign use tends to frustrate motorists which may result in low stopping compliance and increased mid-block vehicle speeds.

  See Effective Traffic Calming Measures

• How do I request a new traffic-related signal or sign?

  Requests for road signs and/or signals are to be directed to the ward councillor. Please email your councillor to express interest (see Council contact information).

  Councillors may provide direct motions through the Clerk's Office for consideration of City Council, due to the amount of staff time required to complete and implement requests.

  Please note that all new signal or sign installations are subject to the Province of Ontario’s signal justification process. Several criteria are reviewed when determining if a new signal or sign is justified, including one or more of the following:

  • All-way stops
  • No parking
  • New traffic signals
  • New pedestrian crosswalks/pedestrian signals
  • New advanced arrows at signalized intersections
  • New speed limits / community safety zones
  • Intersection traffic volumes
  • Delay to cross traffic
  • Collision history
  • Pedestrian volume
  • Pedestrian delay
• How are the locations for Highway 400 ramp pedestrian crossings determined?

  The Ministry of Transportation determines crossing locations at ramp terminals. The City re-paints these crossings annually. Learn more about line painting.