Traffic Management
Overland Park’s traffic uses a variety of tools and strategies to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce speeding on residential, collector, and thoroughfare streets, and make roadways safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
If you have questions, comments, or requests about how the city’s traffic is managed, contact Public Works or file request using OPCares, the city’s customer service system.
Contact
Traffic Services
913-895-6040
Traffic Control Center
Staff who work in Overland Park’s traffic control center centrally monitor traffic during throughout the day, during peak traffic times, and during special events.
Staff use cameras to watch performance of traffic signals and use remote signal systems to modify timing as-needed. They can also adjust messaging on the city’s notification boards alerting drivers of upcoming traffic backups.
Flashing Yellow Arrows
Flashing yellow arrow traffic signals replace green circle indicators and offer a safer, more efficient way for drivers to make a left turn.
The left arrow provides a more direct message to drivers. It reduces confusion since the left-turn display is no longer the same symbol as the adjacent through lanes. It also helps drivers understand that oncoming traffic has the right of way over the left turn traffic.
Solid Green Arrow
A steady green arrow indicates that drivers making a left turn have the right-of-way.
Oncoming traffic has a red light.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow indicates that drivers may proceed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in traffic before turning left.
Solid Yellow Arrow
A solid yellow arrow indicates that the left-turn signal is about to turn red. Drivers should prepare to stop or complete the left turn if they are within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic. Drivers should treat the solid yellow arrow just like a standard yellow ball indication.
Solid Red Arrow
A solid red arrow indicates that drivers must stop and may not enter the intersection.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular intersections. They serve vehicles from every approach, keeping traffic moving in all directions. Center islands of roundabouts deflect entering traffic and reinforce driving speeds lower than 25 miles per hour.
Overland Park has many roundabouts, including two-lane roundabouts at Santa Fe and Conser, 113th and Switzer, 159th and Mission, and many smaller, one-lane roundabouts throughout the city.
Roundabouts are one of the safest types of intersections. They reduce injury accidents and reduce fuel consumption, air pollution, and construction costs.
HAWK Signals
High-intensity activated crosswalk signals are pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. Signals above a street flash red when pedestrians have signaled that they want to cross the street. This provides safer crossing than traditional crosswalks because drivers are more likely to stop for a red light.
This type of signal can be found at 81st and Metcalf and on Nall north of 86th Street.
Enhanced Crosswalks
Enhanced crosswalks have flashing beacons to let drivers know a pedestrian is crossing the street. The function similarly to a crosswalk at an intersection.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are in the crosswalk and lights are flashing.
Pedestrians should be sure to push the signal button to alert drivers they are crossing.
This type of signal can be found at Santa Fe Drive and Benson.