What types of maintenance is a traffic signal field technician responsible for?

A traffic signal field technician is primarily responsible for preventive and emergency maintenance tasks. Preventive maintenance refers to regular, planned activities aimed at ensuring that traffic signals function correctly before any issues arise. This can include tasks such as checking and replacing bulbs, cleaning lenses, and inspecting wiring and hardware. By conducting regular preventive maintenance, technicians help mitigate the risk of equipment failure and ensure safe and efficient traffic management.

Emergency maintenance, on the other hand, involves responding to unexpected faults or malfunctions that can disrupt traffic flow or create hazards on the roadway. This may require urgent repairs or adjustments to restore signal functionality, particularly in the case of accidents, power failures, or severe weather conditions. The dual responsibilities of these types of maintenance ensure that traffic signals remain operational and safe for public use at all times.

While the other choices include valid forms of maintenance, they do not encompass the full scope of the technician's responsibilities as clearly as preventive and emergency maintenance does. Routine maintenance is a component of preventive work, but does not address the immediate response required for emergencies. The terms "scheduled" and "periodic" imply a less direct response to critical issues compared to the immediate nature of emergency maintenance.