This class is offered in partnership with the California Department of Transportation, Division of Local Assistance. Registration fees are subsidized with funding from the Cooperative Training Assistance Program. Reduced rates are available to employees of California's city, county, regional, and other public agencies only.

Description

Traffic signal construction is a critical component of roadway infrastructure that demands precision, adherence to standards, and proactive oversight. For inspectors, construction managers, and traffic engineers, success depends not only on understanding how systems are built but also on recognizing when installation deviates from plans, specifications, or best practices. Minor issues such as improper wiring, inadequate grounding, or ineffective traffic control can introduce safety risks, trigger costly rework, and increase agency liability.
This intensive online course is designed to prepare participants for what they will encounter in the field when overseeing traffic signal construction. While the course does not focus on signal design, it provides essential exposure to design elements from an inspector's and owner's perspective. It is intended to help participants understand how design intent is translated into constructed systems and how to verify that the work is completed correctly, safely, and in compliance with Caltrans Standard Plans and Specifications.
Participants can expect practical, field-oriented instructions on inspecting and evaluating key signal system components, including conductors and cables, signal heads, controller cabinets, grounding systems, and pedestrian and vehicle detection technologies. The course also emphasizes plan interpretation at a level appropriate for oversight roles. Participants will learn what to look for in the plans, how to identify inconsistencies, and how to apply sufficient technical understanding to assess compliance without performing design work.
In addition, the course addresses coordination with contractors, construction documentation, and communication practices that support CIP delivery and protect agencies throughout project implementation. Through real-world case studies, participants will gain insight into common construction challenges, effective inspection strategies, and documentation approaches that stand up to scrutiny.
Led by experienced industry professionals, this course equips inspectors, construction managers, and traffic engineers with the practical knowledge and judgment needed to confidently oversee traffic signal construction by bridging the gap between design intent and successful field execution.

Click here for a detailed course outline.

Topics Include

• Signal Plan Interpretation & Pre-Construction Activities

• Reading and understanding traffic signal plans
• Site assessments and preparatory inspections

• Electrical and Structural Installation

• Electrical service installation procedures
• Standards for pedestals, posts, and mounting hardware
• Bonding and grounding requirements

• Conduit and Cabling Systems

• Conduit installation and layout
• Cable splicing and termination
• Pull box installation and accessibility

• Traffic Signal Components

• Installation of signal heads, brackets, and supporting appurtenances
• Vehicle and pedestrian detector systems
• Pedestrian Safety & Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
• Signal controller cabinet assembly and configuration

• Construction Close-Out & Asset Management

• Maintenance considerations during and after construction
• Salvage and reuse of components
• Integration of new technology and smart signal components

What You Will Learn

By attending this class, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of traffic signal construction-from interpreting signal plans and preparing for construction, to installing electrical systems, conduit, and signal components. Attendees will learn industry best practices for ensuring proper bonding, grounding, and splicing, as well as techniques for setting up signal heads, controllers, and detection systems. The course also covers maintenance strategies, salvage procedures, and the integration of modern signal technologies. Through this training, attendees will be equipped with the practical knowledge and field-based insights necessary to effectively inspect, manage, and support the delivery of safe and compliant traffic signal projects.

Who Should Attend

Ideal for traffic signal technicians, engineering inspectors, electrical contractors, junior engineers, and traffic signal engineers involved in the design, oversight, or inspection of signal infrastructure projects.

For More Information

About our courses and credits, see our FAQ
About payments, refunds, confirmations, and accessibility, see How to Enroll
Or email us with your questions at registrar@techtransfer.berkeley.edu

Cancellation Policy

To cancel your registration and receive a refund less a $75 processing fee, you must notify TechTransfer at least five (5) working days before the course is scheduled to begin. Notifications must be made in writing and sent by email to registrar@techtransfer.berkeley.edu. We reserve the right to charge the full course fee if proper notification is not sent to TechTransfer. We don't offer refunds for classes with registration fees of $75 or less.

In lieu of canceling your registration, you have three additional options: you may (1) transfer your registration to another class, (2) receive a tuition credit for the total amount, useable toward a future class, or (3) send a substitute in your place. Please contact us at least 5 full working days before the class is scheduled to begin so we may process your request.

If you’ve registered for a self-paced class, you cannot receive a refund once you start the class.

We recommend you discuss any possible problems or online security issues with your IT person before you register for any online classes. If you are worried about connectivity issues, please contact the online training coordinator the week before the class to schedule a time to test your system. If you do not test your system and you have technical issues during a live online class, we will not provide a refund.

We do not have a sleeping room block for this class.