In some cases a prequalifications process is added. The number of maintenance personnel has changed over the years as a result of the evolution of traffic control equipment from mechanical to electronic devices. For those agencies that maintain their own systems, the survey revealed that the number of maintenance personnel generally increased with an increase in population at a rate of approximately 2.6 employees per 100,000 persons for city agencies and a rate of 2.3 for state agencies. No definable rates could be determined for agencies that contract all or part of their maintenance. County agencies appeared to have larger budgets for equipment than states and cities, while state agencies appear to have the largest budgets for personnel and spare parts.
Cities have the highest budget for contractor services.
The source of budget funds is local and state taxes and gas taxes. The mix of taxes varies by government level and is expected to change in the future. Tools are available to improve the maintenance management of traffic control systems to help agencies cope with an increase in the system size and components while facing reduced resources. The information in this synthesis can help agencies to understand these tools and improve their programs.