Signs And Pavement Markings

The City of Windsor's Traffic Operations Division is responsible for the installation and maintenance of over 90,000 regulatory, warning and information signs in addition to pavement markings at 290 signalized intersections and over 416 kilometres of roadway. The City operates a sign manufacturing shop that builds all the signs installed on the public right-of-way. The sign shop also creates specialty signs for other municipal departments, including the graphics and decals for City fleet vehicles.

City signs are inspected for reflectivity once each calendar year, and defective signs are replaced as part of operational maintenance.

Pavement markings including stop bars, crosswalks and long lines are painted once each calendar year. Symbols are painted every other calendar year or as needed based on visibility.

Some important signs and marking information to remember:

Bicycle Symbols/Lane Markings

Bicycle lanes are marked with symbols and signage to indicate the separation of lanes for motor vehicles and bicycles.

Green Conflict Zones

A conflict zone is an area where the motor vehicle and cycling paths of travel intersect. Conflict zones may occur within an intersection where a motor vehicle crosses the path of a through cyclist. Conflict zone markings are green pavement markings used to draw attention to the cycle crossing. The City has these markings in four different locations as part of a pilot project.

Stop Bars/Crosswalks

Stop bars and crosswalks are typically utilized at controlled pedestrian crossing locations. Stop bars are also utilized alone at controlled stop locations. Vehicles are required to stop at the stop bar before proceeding into an intersection when safe to do so and when allowed based on the type of control. Pedestrians within a marked crosswalk at any controlled location have the right of way; however, they are required to assess the safety of the situation prior to crossing.

Regulatory/Warning/Informational Signs

Regulatory signs are signs that are enforceable by law enforcement. An example of a regulatory sign is a speed limit sign. Warning signs are used to provide drivers with advance information of a potentially dangerous or unusual situation that they are approaching. An example of a warning sign is a curve ahead sign. Informational signs are used sparingly in the right-of-way and provide non-driving-related information to drivers. An example of an informational sign is a street name sign.

The City attempts to reduce the number of signs in the right-of-way to the bare minimum. Sign clutter or sign pollution can cause distraction to drivers if they are focused more on reading signs than what is happening on the road in front of them.

To report a missing, broken, or defaced traffic sign, please call 311 during normal business hours or Windsor Police at (519) 258-6111 after hours.

To receive information on a specific traffic sign, a written request must be sent to the Manager of the Traffic Operations Division at 1269 Mercer Street.

Traffic Operations Division
1269 Mercer Street
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N8X 0A9
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., holidays excepted.

Phone: For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, call (519) 255-6292.
Email: 311@citywindsor.ca