Traffic (FAQ)
The City of Bowling Green is committed to providing a safe and efficient transportation system that supports livable neighborhoods, provides mobility as well as accessibility, and supports the economic growth and vitality of Bowling Green.
Speeding
Why does the City not allow speed humps or speed bumps on it's roads?
The City of Bowling Green has placed a moratorium on adding any new speed humps or bumps and to remove existing ones as streets are placed on the new asphalt list. Those humps or bumps will be removed when the new asphalt is placed. The reason behind this is that these devices are mainly only effective out to about 300 feet. In many circumstances drivers actually go faster than they did before the bumps were installed outside of this area. This is because they are often frustrated by the slower speed and loss of time. Added to this is the fact that with each new speed hump or bump there is also a reduction in response times by emergency vehicles. In addition the devices tend to be troublesome for buses given the bounce they produce in the rear of the buses. Many states and cities have already passed similar moratoriums against installing these devices.
What is the speed limit for the City of Bowling Green?
On December, 21 2004 the City of Bowling Green passed into ordinance (MO BG2004-64) blanket speed policy. The policy states: “No operator of a vehicle upon the streets or highways within the corporate limits of the City shall exceed a speed of twenty-five (25) miles per hour in any business or residential district unless such street or highway is maintained by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, in which situation, the speed limit shall be thirty-five (35) miles per hour or unless such street or highway is signed for a different speed.
Traffic Intersections
What is a site distance?
Sight distance allows the driver to assess developing situations and take actions appropriate for the conditions. Sight distance relies on drivers being aware of and paying attention to their surroundings and driving appropriately for conditions presented.
How do I request a review of a sight distance problem with regard to traffic?
There are some specific guidelines we use when determining sight distance issues and they are based on engineering guidelines. Our involvement is in the area of the intersection of city streets and interactions of drivers at those intersections.
However, there are also ordinances in place under Warren County Planning and Zoning (WCP&Z) of which WCP&Z enforces. Those can be found at: https://www.warrenpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Article-1_2020.pdf
Under section 1.14 Sight Distance Triangle.
What are the traffic cameras at intersections used for?
The City of Bowling Green currently only has cameras at a limited number of intersections. The ones that are at intersections within the City limits are primarily Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cameras at the intersections they maintain. They use these for monitoring traffic flows so that they can make adjustments to those signals in order to help with traffic flows at those intersections.Neither the City nor the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet do not record the video feed from these cameras and they are used simply for monitoring traffic flows.
What should I do when a traffic signal is not working?
When all signals at a traffic signal are out and not operating such as when there is a storm that has taken the signal out, then this becomes an all way stop. That means that if the intersection is four way or three way and otherwise would have had signals on all approaches, then it becomes a three way or four way stop depending on how many approaches go to the intersection. Here is a video prepared by San Antonio that would be helpful:
What Should you Do When a Traffic Signal is Out (Video)
We would ask that when it is safe to do so please contact KYTC at 270-746-7898 and let them know the signal is out. If it is not a KYTC signal they will provide alternative number to call the City.
Or you may call dispatch at 270-393-4000 and they will contact the appropriate city staff.
Why can’t we have a 4-way stop to reduce accidents?
Simply installing another stop sign at an intersection does not necessarily mean you will see reduced crashes or speeds through and area. Sometimes we actually see speeds increase around 3 MPH in the areas away from the stop signs. This is because some drivers actually become frustrated with what they perceive as an un-needed stop sign. We use nationally established guidelines and engineering judgment in determining whether a location meets guidelines for adding stop signs.
On Street Parking
What are the on-street parking ordinances?
Actually there are quite a few on-street parking ordinances. The easiest way to have a good idea about them is to consult the on-street parking guidelines. We have posted it here:
It is a combination of KRS and local requirements based on our city ordinances.
How do I request parking removal or addition along a street?
Given that several areas can be short on available parking we tend to try to work out other things instead of removing whole streets. Often the problem with parking is localized or already in violation of city ordinances (see on-street parking guidelines). But we do have a method for contacting us regarding a problem and that is laid out in our traffic management manual in the Traffic Request Procedure policy located at:
Traffic Request Procedure Policy (PDF)
Traffic Signs & Markings
How can I get a handicapped parking space in front of my house?
Given that several areas can be short on available parking we tend to try to work out other solutions if possible instead of replacing handicapped parking spaces with general parking spaces. However, we do realize there is a need and do review request. How we address the request is depending on what is going on at the request location. We treat designated parking spaces (ones with parking spaces marked with white lines) different that neighborhood ones that are not otherwise marked. We look at the requested location to see if the parking spot would meet a need for the handicapped parking request. We also look for existing handicapped marked vehicles in the area. When installing handicapped parking space we ask that that the requestor understands this space can be used by anyone that can legally use handicapped parking spaces and isn’t just for the person actually requesting it. But we do have a method for contacting us regarding a problem and that is laid out in our traffic management manual in the Traffic Request Procedure policy located at:
Why signs fade and how to report a faded sign?
Although we make an effort to try to use materials that will last for some extended period of time, they still can fade over time. The amount of fading is related to sunlight exposure and other aspects. Should you see a sign that appears to be faded place contact Neighborhood and Community Services at 270-393-3444.
If the sign is a stop sign and is severely faded please contact our Public Works Operations Division immediately at 270-393-3505.
Can I get a Caution Children at Play sign installed?
National studies have shown that these signs do not work. Part of the reason is that neighborhoods are dynamic in that the people living there change ages and with that the number and age of children in the neighborhoods. Neighborhoods that had children can in time no longer have children but the signs are there. Drivers become used to seeing the signs and not seeing children and they tend to start ignoring the signs in other neighborhoods as well. Also the signs provide a false sense of security implying that drivers will be more attentive because of the signs but the signs do not tell drivers what this really means such as what speed should they go, where are the children, etc. In addition we use the MUTCD, a nationally and state accepted guideline for signs and the guide does not recommend their use.
But this does not mean we will not consider concerns. There may be things we can do that could help with a problem. The best means of starting this process is to contact NCS at 270-393-3444. They can help with the traffic policy process and can also help provide signs that can be placed in an owner’s yard by the owner that we do not install.
For more information, you can view our "Children at Play" flyer.
How do I go about requesting a traffic change such as adding a lane or adding centerline stripes, etc?
With regard to adding centerline stripes or edge lines along roadways, often neighborhoods as a whole tend to not want these despite individual home owners that do want them. This is because of the perception that adding the lines makes these lines gives the neighborhood more of an industrial or commercial look or has the appearance of a highway with the connotations of such, such as higher volumes and speeds. But we do have guidelines and use those guidelines when considering such request. Typically this involves either curves or higher number of vehicles than is typically seen in a neighborhood. So if you are interested in requesting the centerlines or edge line stripes, we do have a method for contacting us regarding a problem and that is laid out in our traffic management manual in the Traffic Request Procedure policy located at:
Traffic Request Procedure Policy (PDF)
Or you can contact NCS directly at 270-393-3444and they can help you through the request.
This actually applies to another request where one desires to have traffic conditions changed such as adding additional turn lanes, adding signs, etc.
How do I request a crosswalk?
We have specific guidelines we use when considering crosswalk requests. We discourage installing crosswalks that are not near intersections such as mid-block crosswalks. This is because national studies show that adding crosswalk markings and signs does not necessarily increase safety. So there are specific guidelines for installing crosswalks. If you would like to request consideration for adding a crosswalk you can check out our traffic management manual in the traffic request procedure policy section located at:
Traffic Request Procedure Policy (PDF)
Or you can contact NCS directly at 270-393-3641 and they can help you through the request.
Traffic General Information
Where do I go to report a traffic problem?
This really depends on what the traffic problem is. See other FAQ for more details on various requests. However, if a stop sign is missing please contact Public Works Operations at 270-393-3505 or Dispatch if after hours or holidays at 270-393-4000.
For traffic signals being out we would ask that when it is safe to do so please contact KYTC at 270-746-7889 and let them know the signal is out. If it is not a KYTC signal they will provide alternative number to call with the City.
Or you may call dispatch at 270-393-4000 and they will contact the appropriate city or state staff.
If you are unsure whether a signal is a KYTC signal, please refer to our maintenance map. The map provides you with signal locations and details about the parties responsible for each.
How do I report a street light that is out?
Or you can contact NCS directly at 270-393-3444 and they will contact the appropriate Public Works staff to address the issue.
What can a pedestrian do to reduce pedestrian accidents?
Actually there is a wealth of information on how to pedestrians can be more aware of how to reduce pedestrian accidents. One source is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and can be located here:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pedestrian/pdf/11146b-PreventPedestrianCrashes.pdf
Also with Halloween there is a significant increase in pedestrians. There is helpful information for both drivers and pedestrians about this time of year at this site:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/halloween-safety-tips
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