Traffic Signals

Traffic signals within the BVU service area, are owned and maintained by multiple agencies. Because of this, responsibility for each traffic signal varies by location.

BVU Authority provides electric service to most traffic signals and performs limited maintenance at select locations. However, BVU does not operate or control traffic signal timing, coordination, or most traffic-related decisions or features.

BVU’s Role

BVU Authority’s responsibilities related to traffic signals include:

• Providing electric service to most traffic signals
• Responding to power outages affecting signal operation
• Performing limited maintenance at select locations under established billing arrangements

What BVU Does Not Control

BVU Authority does not control or maintain:

• Traffic signal timing or coordination
• Traffic signal cameras, detection systems, or battery backup systems
• Traffic signal loops or sensors
• Pedestrian signals, buttons, or crosswalk equipment
• School and railroad crossing signs
• Radar traffic-camera systems
• Street signs or pavement markings

These functions are managed by the appropriate owning agency.

Traffic Signal Ownership and Responsibility

Traffic signals within the Bristol area may be owned and/or maintained by:

• City of Bristol, Virginia (City)
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
• Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES)
• BVU Authority (BVU)
• In limited cases, signals are jointly owned

There is currently no single organization responsible for all traffic signals within the BVU service area.

Traffic Signal Responsibility Table

The table below provides a general reference for traffic signal ownership and maintenance responsibilities.

*BVU Limited Maintenance (4% Program): BVU provides limited maintenance at select City-owned signals, including routine inspections and minor repairs. This does not include major repairs, equipment replacement, or operational control. All other responsibilities remain with the owning agency.

Reporting Traffic Signal Issues

If you observe a traffic signal issue:

Power Outage (Signal Dark)

Contact BVU Authority:

• Phone: 276-669-4112 (Option 1)
• Text: OUT to 833-417-5283

All Other Issues (Timing, Damage, Operation)

Contact the appropriate primary contact agency listed in the table above.

• City: 276-645-7300
• VDOT: 800-367-7623
• BTES: 423-968-1526
• BVU: 276-669-4112

Important Notice

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Traffic signal ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and contact information may change over time. BVU Authority’s role is generally limited to electric service and specific maintenance activities as outlined above. For issues not related to electric service, requests may be referred to the appropriate primary contact agency.