Ensuring safe, efficient travel in Amarillo through traffic signal maintenance, signage management, and regular roadway safety improvements.
Report an Emergency Traffic Concern
To report damaged or malfunctioning traffic signals, signs, or school flashers, please call the Traffic Department: 806-378-6800
- Issues that can be reported include:
- Traffic signals
- Traffic signs
- School flashers
- Highway street light outages
For residential street light outages: Please contact Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- traffic@amarillo.gov
- 806-378-6800
TRAFFIC STUDIES
The Traffic Engineering Department conducts studies around the City of Amarillo on a regular basis. If you feel there is an area that could use a new sign or signal please review the following information on speed zones, street signs, traffic signals, and traffic signs.
Speed limits
Will a lower speed limit help slow down traffic?
Lowering speed limits and adding more signs do not necessarily slow drivers down or reduce accidents. Research shows that drivers are primarily influenced by roadway appearance, traffic, and weather conditions, not the posted speed limit.
In Amarillo, drivers should know the basic speed limits: 15 mph in alleys and 30 mph on residential streets. School zones are typically 20 mph from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm on school days, with variations for zones controlled by electronic flashers.
All other speed limits are determined by Traffic Engineering surveys that assess road conditions, accident data, and the prevailing speed of 85% of prudent drivers. Studies indicate that when speed uniformity is not maintained, accident rates increase, making realistic speed zoning essential for public safety.
How are Speed Zones set?
Speed zones in Amarillo are set in accordance with Texas Law regarding the establishment of speed zones and based upon nationwide standard Traffic Engineering practice.
How are Speed Zones adjusted?
The Traffic Engineering Department continues to review and adjust speed zones in response to the changing traffic needs within the City of Amarillo.
If you have questions or comments regarding speed limits or traffic problems within city limits, email traffic@amarillo.gov.
Traffic Control Devices
Why are there not more stop and yield signs in my neighborhood?
The City of Amarillo Traffic Engineering Department frequently receives requests to install STOP or YIELD signs at residential intersections. Many intersections in Amarillo operate under the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.151(D)(1), which states that drivers approaching an intersection without traffic control devices must yield to vehicles coming from the right, known as the “Yield to the Right Rule.”
Exceptions to this rule include “T” intersections, where the through street has the right-of-way, and intersections between paved and unpaved roads, where the paved road has the right-of-way.
Low-volume residential streets generally operate best under the yield-to-the-right rule, as it encourages caution. YIELD signs are considered at intersections with limited visibility or where accident history indicates a need, typically placed on the street with less traffic. STOP signs are used where conditions like the intersection of a less important road with a main road, entry onto a through street, or a combination of speed, restricted view, and accident history necessitate it.
Two-way STOP signs are usually sufficient, while four-way stops are considered when traffic volumes are high and roughly equal on all approaches, with at least 500 vehicles per hour for eight hours on an average day.
STOP and YIELD signs are intended to assign right-of-way, not to control speed or divert traffic. Studies show that using signs to control speed is ineffective and can lead to higher speeds between intersections, increased pollution, wasted fuel, and more neighborhood noise. Misuse of STOP and YIELD signs can cause drivers to disregard them, leading to more accidents. When used appropriately, these signs are essential for neighborhood traffic safety.
How do I request a review for signs?
If you feel there is a residential intersection which may need additional control based on the criteria listed here, email traffic@amarillo.gov.
Traffic Signal Installation
Will a traffic signal make an intersection safer?
Traffic signals don’t always prevent accidents. Accidents and serious injuries may actually increase after they are installed. Quite often, right angle collisions are reduced by traffic signals, while the total number of collisions, particularly the rear-end type, increases.
Occasionally, signal installation results in an increase in pedestrian accidents. Many pedestrians feel secure with a painted crosswalk and red light between them and approaching vehicles. However, drivers are not always so quick to recognize these “barriers”.
When will a traffic signal help more than hurt?
To determine if a traffic signal is needed, Traffic Engineers must consider several factors:
- Is traffic on both streets so heavy that a signal is needed to prevent confusion or relieve congestion?
- Is main street traffic so dense that it forces unsafe crossings from the side street?
- Are there many pedestrians crossing a busy main street, causing confusion or hazards?
- Are there many school children crossing, and would a traffic signal be the best solution for their safety?
- Does the intersection have a history of accidents that a signal could help reduce?
- Would a traffic signal improve traffic flow and help maintain a consistent pace without unnecessary stops?
- Can the signal be installed without causing gridlock with nearby signals?
- Is there a combination of these conditions that suggests a traffic signal would improve safety?
Traffic Engineers evaluate these conditions against established guidelines or “warrants” derived from years of study. Signals that meet these guidelines generally function effectively and safely, while those that don’t can lead to increased hazards and reduced compliance. A well-placed traffic signal can improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, but an unnecessary one can cause danger and frustration for both drivers and pedestrians.
How do I submit an area for review?
The Traffic Engineering Department conducts traffic signal studies at intersections around the City of Amarillo on a regular basis using the guidelines discussed above. If you feel there is an intersection which may benefit from traffic signal control, email traffic@amarillo.gov.
Traffic Signs
Will more traffic signs help?
Traffic signs are a crucial part of the driver information system on streets and highways, providing essential information to make driving easier and safer. This often leads to the belief that adding more signs automatically improves safety. However, Traffic Engineers are often asked to install signs that merely reiterate basic road rules or warn of obvious conditions, which can lead to an excess of unnecessary signs. To prevent this, standardized signs and criteria for their installation have been established nationwide.
Below, some of the most frequently requested traffic signs are discussed.
Speed Limit Signs (Alleys And Residential Streets)
All drivers are expected to know the basic speed limits of 15 miles per hour in alleys and 30 miles per hour on residential streets in Amarillo. Drivers realize when they are entering these areas and should adjust their speed accordingly. Studies have shown that posting speed limit signs as “reminders” does not deter speeding drivers.
Children At Play Signs
Drivers should reasonably expect to encounter children playing in any residential neighborhood. Since children are present on nearly every block, installing signs on each street would be impractical, and the absence of signs might imply that caution isn’t needed in those areas. Federal standards do not support “Children at Play” signs because they suggest that playing in the street is acceptable behavior and can give parents and children a false sense of security that the signs cannot guarantee.
No Parking Signs
“No Parking” signs are typically installed to ensure traffic safety and flow, indicating areas where parking may be dangerous or obstructive. These signs are usually not placed at crosswalks, intersections, moving traffic lanes, or near fire hydrants, as all drivers should already know that parking in these areas is prohibited.
Traffic engineers must carefully decide which signs are necessary based on roadway conditions, as an excess of signs or unnecessary signs can lead drivers to ignore all traffic control devices. Properly placed traffic signs are essential for maintaining safety.
If you have any questions about traffic sign placement, please call us at 806-378-6294 or email us at traffic@amarillo.gov.
Traffic control plans
What are the guidelines for making a Traffic Control Plan?
Preparation Guidelines:
- Traffic control plans do not need to be prepared or stamped by a professional engineer, nor must they be drawn to scale or on full-size plan sheets.
- Plans must be based on a review of actual field conditions and demonstrate understanding of the Texas MUTCD and practical experience.
- Plans should clearly communicate to the crew responsible for setup. If unsure about your qualifications, consider delegating this work to a specialist.
Essential Items to Include in the Plan:
Type of Work: Clearly state the type of work being performed.
Relevant Parties: List all involved parties (e.g., developer, agency, general contractor, traffic control contractor) and include contact information, with a 24-hour number for the traffic control contact.
Project Duration: Specify the expected duration of the project.
Traffic Control Hours: State the hours during which traffic control will be in effect. Note that these hours differ from work hours. No activities affecting traffic can occur outside approved traffic control hours.
Compliance: Traffic control must comply with the Texas MUTCD or reference typical drawings from this manual.
Excavation Notification: If excavation is involved, note that DigAlert must be notified at least two working days before starting.
Plan Details:
- Show a north arrow.
- If the plan is to scale, identify the scale.
- Label street names accurately.
- Include dimensions as needed (e.g., right of way, sidewalk, median).
- Clearly define all tapers, as most design issues are related to them.
Speed Considerations: Traffic control should be designed for prevailing speeds, typically approximated by the posted speed limit.
Conflicting Signs: Identify any conflicting signs or markings that need to be covered.
Night-time Measures: Include special measures for night-time traffic control if necessary.
Temporary Parking Restrictions: If required, state that appropriate signs will be posted 72 hours in advance.
Bike Lanes: On arterial streets with Class II bike lanes, if lane No. 2 is closed, place cones with a 4-foot offset from the lane line to provide a relocated bike lane.
Upstream Lane Modifications: If closing a lane downstream of an intersection, assess the need to close or modify upstream lanes, especially in cases of dual turn lanes turning into single receiving lanes.
City Boundaries: Indicate if traffic control spans a City boundary.
General Notes: Include standard notes, such as:
- Traffic control shall conform to the latest edition of the Texas MUTCD.
- All traffic control devices must be kept in proper positions at all times and repaired, replaced, or cleaned as necessary.
- Channelizing devices shall be 28” cones or 39” tubular markers.
- Specify spacing for channelizing devices on tapers, tangents, and radii.
- All open excavation or construction work should be a minimum of five feet from operating traffic lanes where possible.
Submission for Review:
- Submit all traffic control plans to the Traffic Engineering Department for review and acceptance prior to implementation.
Vehicle Intersection Count
Vehicle Intersection Count
| INTERSECTIONS | Total Vehicle | Year |
| ADAMS & SW 3RD | 17,041 | 2023-2025 |
| ADAMS & SW 6TH | 12,801 | 2023-2025 |
| ADAMS & SW 8TH | 9,800 | 2022-2024 |
| ADAMS & SW 10TH | 17,055 | 2022-2024 |
| AIRPORT BLVD & I-40 E | 11,369 | 2024-2025 |
| AMARILLO BLVD AND SW 9TH | 26,856 | 2023-2024 |
| ARTHUR & SE 3RD | 7,363 | 2024 |
| ARTHUR & SE 10TH | 16,526 | 2024 |
| ARTHUR & I-40 E | 6,263 | 2022-2025 |
| ARTHUR & SE 27TH | 10,622 | 2022 |
| ARTHUR & SE 34TH | 16,917 | 2022 |
| AVENUE B & NE 27TH | 1,055 | 2024 |
| AVENUE J & NE 8TH | 1,902 | 2024 |
| AVENUE J & NE 27TH | 2,472 | 2024 |
| AVONDALE & GEM LAKE | 7,021 | 2023-2024 |
| AVONDALE & SW 9TH | 15,166 | 2022-2024 |
| AVONDALE & PLAINS | 14,752 | 2022-2024 |
| AVONDALE/ OLSEN & I-40 W | 10,440 | 2023-2025 |
| BELL & PLAINS | 35,369 | 2023-2024 |
| BELL & I-40 W | 55,895 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & SW 34TH | 44,067 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & FULTON | 21,230 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & SW 45TH | 38,374 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & HILLSIDE | 48,212 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & ARDEN | 16,497 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & I-27 | 23,861 | 2022-2023 |
| BELL & HOLLYWOOD | 14,029 | 2022-2025 |
| BOLTON & I-40 E | 9,130 | 2022-2025 |
| BOLTON & SE 34TH | 5,452 | 2022 |
| BUCHANAN & NE 3RD | 12,642 | 2023-2024 |
| BUCHANAN & AMARILLO BLVD | 30,006 | 2023 |
| BUCHANAN & SE 3RD | 15,324 | 2023-2024 |
| BUCHANAN & SE 10TH | 20,798 | 2023-2024 |
| COULTER & FAIRWAY | 6,518 | 2023-2024 |
| COULTER & SW 9TH | 10,975 | 2023-2024 |
| COULTER & WALLACE | 18,378 | 2023-2024 |
| COULTER & WOLFLIN | 36,202 | 2023 |
| COULTER & I-40 W | 62,781 | 2022-2023 |
| COULTER & SW 34TH | 46,225 | 2022-2023 |
| COULTER & FULTON | 36,822 | 2023 |
| COULTER & 45TH | 45,465 | 2022-2023 |
| COULTER & HILLSIDE | 47,442 | 2022-2023 |
| COULTER & ARDEN | 21,215 | 2023 |
| COULTER & HOLLYWOOD | 19,309 | 2023-2025 |
| CROCKETT & SW 10TH | 8,296 | 2023-2025 |
| CROCKETT & SW 15TH | 4,546 | 2023-2025 |
| CROCKETT & I-40 W | 7,776 | 2021-2023 |
| CROCKETT & WOLFLIN | 9,004 | 2022-2023 |
| DUMAS & NE 24TH | 12,925 | 2025 |
| DUMAS & HASTINGS | 7,820 | 2025 |
| DUMAS & CENTRAL | 4,522 | 2023-2025 |
| DUMAS & ST. FRANCIS | 22,546 | 2023-2025 |
| DUMAS & WILLOW CREEK | 3,477 | 2023-2025 |
| EASTERN & AMARILLO BLVD | 15,746 | 2024 |
| EASTERN & NE 24TH | 10,846 | 2022-2025 |
| EASTERN & SE 3RD | 16,022 | 2024 |
| EASTERN & SE 10TH | 9,219 | 2024-2025 |
| EASTERN & I-40 E | 17,209 | 2022-2025 |
| EASTERN & SE 29TH | 3,893 | 2022-2024 |
| EASTERN & SE 34TH | 3,436 | 2022 |
| ECHO & CENTRAL | 3,126 | 2024 |
| ECHO & ST. FRANCIS | 10,329 | 2024 |
| FILLMORE & AMARILLO BLVD | 13,417 | 2023 |
| FILLMORE & SE 3RD | 12,650 | 2023-2024 |
| FILLMORE & SE 10TH | 18,124 | 2023-2024 |
| FRITCH HWY & AMARILLO BLVD | 13,001 | 2024-2025 |
| FRITCH HWY & NE 24TH | 7,519 | 2024-2025 |
| GEORGIA & LINE | 19,726 | 2023-2025 |
| GEORGIA & SW 10TH | 26,007 | 2023-2025 |
| GEORGIA & SW 15TH | 23,755 | 2023-2025 |
| GEORGIA & I-40 W | 42,668 | 2022-2025 |
| GEORGIA & WOLFLIN | 19,487 | 2022 |
| GEORGIA & SW 26TH | 32,653 | 2022-2023 |
| GEORGIA & SW 34TH | 36,113 | 2022-2023 |
| GEORGIA & I-27 | 31,466 | 2022 |
| GEORGIA & SW 45TH | 25,612 | 2022-2023 |
| GEORGIA & 58TH | 24,714 | 2023 |
| GRAND & AMARILLO BLVD | 28,236 | 2024-2025 |
| GRAND & NE 16TH | 15,401 | 2024-2025 |
| GRAND & NE 24TH | 18,228 | 2022-2025 |
| GRAND & SE 3RD | 19,526 | 2024 |
| GRAND & SE 10TH | 21,801 | 2024 |
| GRAND & I-40 E | 31,001 | 2022-2025 |
| GRAND & SE 27TH | 9,545 | 2022 |
| GRAND & SE 34TH | 11,537 | 2022 |
| HARRISON & SW 10TH | 6,755 | 2023-2024 |
| HARRISON & SW 15TH | 3,540 | 2022-2024 |
| HUGHES & AMARILLO BLVD | 27,108 | 2025 |
| HUGHES & NW 15TH | 12,006 | 2025 |
| HUGHES & NW 24TH | 8,791 | 2024-2025 |
| I-27 & SE 26TH | 13,266 | 2022 |
| I-27 & SE 34TH | 22,425 | 2022-2023 |
| I-27 & SW 45TH | 33,831 | 2022-2023 |
| I-27 & HOLLYWOOD | 42,002 | 2025 |
| LAKESIDE (LOOP 335) & AMARILLO BLVD | 27,993 | 2024-2025 |
| LAKESIDE (LOOP 335) & SE 3RD | 25,894 | 2024-2025 |
| LAKESIDE (LOOP 335) & I-40 E | 24,252 | 2025 |
| MARTIN & AMARILLO BLVD | 19,631 | 2024 |
| MARTIN & NE 15TH/16TH | 10,685 | 2022-2025 |
| MCMASTERS & AMARILLO BLVD | 22,881 | 2023-2025 |
| MCMASTERS & NW 15TH | 2,364 | 2025 |
| MCMASTERS & SW 3RD | 16,635 | 2025 |
| MCMASTERS & SW 6TH | 18,632 | 2025 |
| MIRROR & AMARILLO BLVD | 32,160 | 2023-2025 |
| MIRROR & NE 15TH | 12,463 | 2024-2025 |
| MIRROR & NE 24TH | 13,603 | 2023-2025 |
| MIRROR/ ECHO & HASTINGS | 5,986 | 2024-2025 |
| NELSON & I-40 E | 15,318 | 2022-2025 |
| OSAGE & SE 27TH | 24,642 | 2022 |
| OSAGE & SE 34TH | 28,849 | 2022 |
| OSAGE & SE 46TH | 13,264 | 2022 |
| PARAMOUNT / JULIAN & I-40 W | 11,982 | 2022-2025 |
| PARAMOUNT & SW 26TH | 10,671 | 2022-2023 |
| PARAMOUNT & OLSEN | 7,435 | 2022 |
| PARAMOUNT & SW 34TH | 21,048 | 2022-2023 |
| PARKER/ MOSS & I-27 | 5,357 | 2022 |
| PARKER & SW 46TH | 10,794 | 2022-2023 |
| PARKER & SW 58TH | 10,733 | 2022-2023 |
| PAVILLARD & ST. FRANCIS | 19,660 | 2024 |
| PAVILLARD & WILLOW CREEK | 3,625 | 2023-2024 |
| PIERCE & AMARILLO BLVD | 15,158 | 2023-2025 |
| PIERCE & SE 3RD | 13,958 | 2023-2024 |
| PIERCE & SE 10TH | 19,432 | 2023-2024 |
| PULLMAN & AIRPORT BLVD | 3,532 | 2024 |
| PULLMAN & I-40 E | 5,043 | 2024-2025 |
| RIDGEMERE & AMARILLO BLVD | 24,536 | 2024 |
| RIVER ROAD & HASTINGS | 5,298 | 2025 |
| RIVER ROAD & CENTRAL | 3,359 | 2024-2025 |
| RIVER ROAD & ST. FRANCIS | 13,861 | 2024-2025 |
| RIVER ROAD & WILLOW CREEK | 4,182 | 2023-2024 |
| ROSS & SE 3RD | 21,394 | 2024-2025 |
| ROSS & SE 10TH | 23,398 | 2024-2025 |
| ROSS & I-40 E | 32,598 | 2022-2025 |
| SONCY & AMARILLO BLVD W | 21,457 | 2022-2025 |
| SONCY & I-40 W | 54,899 | 2022 |
| SONCY & SW 34TH | 50,008 | 2022-2023 |
| SONCY & SW 45TH | 36,649 | 2022-2023 |
| SONCY & HILLSIDE RD | 37,898 | 2023 |
| TASCOSA & AMARILLO BLVD | 29,826 | 2023-2024 |
| TAYLOR & AMARILLO BLVD | 23,665 | 2025 |
| TAYLOR & SE 3RD | 13,323 | 2024-2025 |
| TAYLOR & SE 10TH | 18,797 | 2024-2025 |
| TECKLA & OLSEN | 9,202 | 2023 |
| TECKLA & SW 34TH | 23,878 | 2022-2023 |
| TECKLA & FULTON | 9,626 | 2022-2023 |
| TECKLA & SW 45TH | 24,642 | 2023 |
| TYLER & SW 15TH | 6,974 | 2021-2023 |
| VIRGINIA & MAYS | 3,796 | 2022-2023 |
| VIRGINIA & SW 45TH | 22,130 | 2023 |
| WALLACE & SW 9TH | 11,339 | 2023 |
| WASHINGTON & SW 15TH | 17,429 | 2022-2025 |
| WASHINGTON & I-40 W | 25,884 | 2022-2025 |
| WASHINGTON & WOLFLIN | 7,862 | 2022 |
| WASHINGTON & SW 24TH | 17,155 | 2022-2023 |
| WASHINGTON & SW 34TH | 14,727 | 2022-2023 |
| WASHINGTON & I-27 | 35,958 | 2022 |
| WASHINGTON & SW 46TH | 27,476 | 2022-2023 |
| WASHINGTON & SW 58TH | 11,698 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & AMARILLO BLVD | 31,956 | 2023-2024 |
| WESTERN & FAIRWAY | 16,676 | 2024 |
| WESTERN & SW 3RD | 15,585 | 2023-2025 |
| WESTERN & GEM LAKE | 9,966 | 2023-2024 |
| WESTERN & BUSHLAND/ SW 6TH | 23,077 | 2023-2025 |
| WESTERN & LINE | 18,734 | 2023-2025 |
| WESTERN & PLAINS | 28,310 | 2024-2025 |
| WESTERN & I-40 W | 38,020 | 2023-2025 |
| WESTERN & OLSEN | 33,458 | 2022-2023 |
| WESTERN & SW 34TH | 28,043 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & JANET/ 34TH | 27,921 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & PARAMOUNT | 12,283 | 2022-2023 |
| WESTERN & SW 45TH | 36,654 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & I-27 | 30,785 | 2022-2023 |
| WESTERN & HILLSIDE / SW 58TH | 27,470 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & FARMERS | 11,976 | 2023 |
| WESTERN & ARDEN | 13,666 | 2022-2023 |
| WESTERN & HOLLYWOOD | 10,232 | 2022-2025 |
| WHITAKER & I-40 E | 6,620 | 2022-2025 |
| WIMBERLY & SW 34TH | 11,885 | 2022-2023 |