Traffic Signs - Installation and Repair

How do I get a stop sign installed in my neighborhood?

Before installation of a stop sign at an intersection an Investigation must be conducted. The location must be examined for volume of pedestrian and automobile traffic and frequency of accidents. The Investigation will determine if a signal is “warranted” at that location according to the guidelines of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD.

The City and County of Denver is divided into “districts” managed by the City’s Transportation Engineers. Pursuant to your request and in the order in which it was received, the engineer managing the requested district will study the intersection to see if a stop sign is, in fact, warranted.

You may call Traffic Engineering Services at 720-865-3150 for more information.

Call 720-865-4000 if a sign is missing or has been damaged.

In order to further understand the process for determining stop sign warrants, we invite you to read the following Explanation.

Explanation – Stop Sign Installation – A Good Idea?

A stop sign can be one of our most valuable and effective traffic control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection determine who has the right-of-way.

One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic, either by causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force traffic to use other routes. Where stop signs are installed as “nuisances” or “speed breakers”, there is high incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed reduction is only effective in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and frequently speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, they should not be used as speed control devices.

A school crossing may look dangerous for children to use, causing parents to demand a stop sign to halt traffic. As a result, a vehicle which had been a problem for 3 seconds while approaching and passing the intersection becomes a problem for a much longer period. A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian, or when to start as a motorist. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could have been made safely no longer exist. An intersection which previously was not busy starts to look like a major intersection. It really is not; it just looks like it. It does not look safer, and it usually is not.

Most drivers are responsible and prudent with no intent of maliciously violating traffic regulations. However, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in flagrant violations. In such cases, a stop sign can create a false sense of security in a pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist. These two attitudes can, and often do conflict with tragic results.

Well developed, nationally recognized guidelines help determine when such controls become necessary. These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the probability of vehicles arriving at an intersection at the same time, the length of time traffic must wait to enter, and the availability of safe crossing opportunities. These guidelines can be found in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is obtainable through the U.S. Government Printing Office, at the following address:

Superintendent of Documents

Mail Stop SSOP

Washington, D.C. 20402-9328

or by visiting their website at MUTCD

If you require additional information:

Call Traffic Engineering Services at 720-865-3150.

How do I get a traffic or street name sign replaced or installed in my neighborhood?

To inquire about getting a new street name sign or stop sign, call Traffic Engineering Services at 720-865-3150.

To have a missing or damaged sign replaced, call for a Sign Crew at 720-865-4000.

How do I get a school crossing sign installed in my neighborhood?

Call Traffic Engineering Services at 720-865-3150.