Traffic Operations
Whatcom County Maintenance and Operations Traffic Operations
maintains and installs the appropriate traffic control devices as
well as other duties outlined below.
During May through September, the Striping Crew stripes 1700
lane miles of road using low VOC as well as environmentally friendly
water-based paint. The crew also installs raised  pavement
paint and thermoplastic markings, such as stop bars, arrows, "STOP"
markings and the like.
Traffic Operations includes a Sign Shop crew that works year
round maintaining the county's approximately 8,500 signs. A visual
inspection of each sign occurs once a month for general conditions
and once a year in November at night for reflectivity. The Sign
Shop crew also constructs new signs, reviews new sign plans for
developments and construction zones, and installs decals on fleet
vehicles. Sign Shop personnel are on call 24-hours a day to close
roads during emergencies such as car accidents, hazardous material
spills, and flooding.
The Traffic Operations Hot-Box Crew works spring, summer, and fall
using hot asphalt to fill potholes, skin patch, depth patch, repair
asphalt shoulders, and pave culvert crossings.
 The
Traffic Operations Division also maintains 60 miles of gravel
road throughout the county. Road grading to remove potholes and
wash boarding followed by rolling to obtain a smooth surface occurs
from October to May. For dust control from May to October, the
process involves the addition of a water truck lignin. Traffic
Operations also prepares gravel roads for conversion to chip seal.
Traffic Operations has a year round litter pick-up crew to collect
litter and sponsors the Adopt-A-Road and Juvenile Offender
Programs.
Providing these services allows for safe and efficient travel
throughout Whatcom County.
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