OTE Personnel & Responsibilities 

The Signals and ITS Section is responsible for developing policies, guidelines, standards and procedures for traffic signals, the Freeway Service Patrols, Incident Management and Freeway Management Centers in Ohio. This Section also develops specifications and design plans for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for the Office of Traffic Engineering and ODOT’s Districts.

Freeway Management Systems (FMS) are a major component of ITS. The primary mission of an FMS is to provide information about congestion and freeway conditions. The FMS provides information to help travelers to make informed decisions, reducing unexpected delays, energy consumption and cost. It also assists emergency personnel to help them provide the best response.

In addition to these duties, the Section develops guidance to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Sign Shop - Produces and distributes highway signs and other related traffic control devices; develops sign material contracts; and conducts testing and evaluation of new sign materials.

Signal Shop - Troubleshoots and repairs electronic devices associated with the operation of traffic signals and other electronic traffic control devices; conducts testing and evaluation of new electronic components; and provides technical support.

This Section is responsible for developing traffic engineering policies, guidelines, standards, procedures, specifications and the related publications, primarily the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) and ODOT's supplement to that manual, the Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM). Based on national standards, the OMUTCD establishes traffic control standards for all public highway in Ohio. While the information in the TEM primarily just involves ODOT-maintained highways, the information may be useful to local jurisdictions, and in some cases the OMUTCD actually directs local agencies to the TEM for certain guidelines or procedures. 

This Section also: evaluates new and existing products and materials for signing,  markings, highway lighting and work zones; coordinates related research; develops term purchase contracts for traffic control items; prepares traffic safety studies for major freeway projects; maintains records of Traffic Regulations (speed zones, school zones, no parking zones, and village signal permits) for all ODOT districts and a listing of memorialized highways and bridges; publishes other traffic engineering related publications; and provides technical assistance and training as needed.