Traffic Engineering

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The Engineering Division of Public Works is responsible for the Traffic Engineering duties for the City. Our purpose is to maintain safe and efficient traffic management and circulation. Traffic Engineering includes items related to vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, traffic signals, signs, colored curb marking, pavement markings and striping and on-street parking for all City streets. Public Works also works with other City departments to address traffic-related concerns.

Traffic Engineering duties include:

Design and review of plans for traffic signals
Operation, timing and synchronization of traffic signals
Design of roadway striping and pavement markings for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians
Design of traffic control devices for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians (i.e. signs and colored curb markings)
Design and review of traffic control plans needed for construction projects on or affecting City streets
Response to citizen questions related to traffic signals, roadway striping and markings, colored curb markings per Torrance Municipal Code Section 61.6.15, and signs (i.e. STOP, Speed limit; regulatory and warning).
Selection of locations for the City's solar-powered radar speed limit feedback signs to assist with traffic calming.

The Public Works Department implements measures to enhance traffic and neighborhood safety with consideration of community input and in conformance with State standards. The following measures are used by the City of Torrance to enhance traffic safety and calming:

Radar Speed Feedback Signs: Radar Feedback Signs (RFBS) are traffic calming devices designed to slow speeders down by alerting them of their speed. Current RFBS locations are located throughout the City. See map of Radar Feedback Sign Locations.
Signs and pavement markings: Traffic signs and pavement markings can help mitigate certain traffic conditions and can be installed if approved by City staff. Any traffic sign or pavement marking installed by the City must comply with the California Manual on Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD).
Coordination with the Police Department for enforcement of traffic laws.

Currently, the City of Torrance does not allow or approve of the installation of speed bumps, speed humps or speed cushions on City streets. Please see further discussion about this at the following link:

Traffic Q&A

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on street and traffic improvement such as speed limits, transit and truck routes, the placement of crossing guards and changes to the select street system.

For information on the Traffic Commission, please visit the City Clerk's page.

Traffic Maps and City Traffic Studies

Traffic Impact Analysis Reports for Private Developments

Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines

Additional Links

Public Works Department Contact

You may contact our office at (310) 781-6900. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (excluding Holidays), and alternate Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you wish to report an issue with existing signs (i.e. missing, damaged, obstructed or faded), an issue with pavement markings, or painted curbs; or to report a problem with a traffic signal, such as burned out lights, flashing RED, obstructed from view, etc., please call our office at 1 (310) 781-6900 or email PublicWorksInfo@TorranceCA.gov.

If you wish our engineering staff to investigate a request, please email PWTraffic@TorranceCa.gov. Your email must include a justification for the request and include your name, address, and phone number so City staff may contact you.

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