Physical Property says new ‘brain’ will fix long waits at intersection
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Many residents are dissatisfied with the new traffic configuration at St. Andrews Drive and Golden Rain Road, but improvements are coming.
Currently, the signal operates on a cycle that includes a 46-second pedestrian-protected phase. This phase halts all traffic regardless of whether any pedestrians are present.
The problem stems from a 40-plusyear- old traffic controller, which acts as the “brain” of the intersection. It tells the traffic light when to turn green and when to stop traffic to allow pedestrian crossings.
Currently, the traffic controller does not have the capacity to respond to the traffic environment. Instead, it operates
Pedestrians should only enter the intersection when the lighted signal shows the "Walk" sign. The audible commands are temporarily out of service. on a fixed cycle.
That problem should be alleviated with a new traffic controller. The GRF Board is expected to consider purchasing an upgraded controller at a future meeting. Once a new controller is equipped, it can be programmed to include a pedestrian cycle that only activates when they are present.
Outdated “brain” can’t operate audible pedestrian commands Pedestrians crossing the intersection of Golden Rain Road and St. Andrews Drive are encouraged to rely on the lighted “Walk” and “Stop” signals, as the audible crossing cues are currently out of service. The malfunction stems from the intersection’s aging traffic signal controller, which lacks the processing power to support the audio system.
Although the infrastructure is still capable of delivering audible alerts, the existing controller cannot manage the added complexity of the four-way stop and dedicated pedestrian phase.
The controller, which is 40plus years old, was not designed to handle modern phasing demands. In order to manage the new traffic pattern, the outdated traffic signal controller must be replaced.
The Physical Property Department is preparing a request to purchase a new traffic controller. If approved by the GRF Board, and once ordered, the part could take up to 140 days to arrive for installation.
The GRF Board approved the intersection project in July 2024 in keeping with the findings of a traffic study to improve safety features at the intersection.
The GRF Board approved the upgrade at the intersection of Golden Rain Road and St. Andrews Drive in July 2024 in keeping with the findings of a traffic study.
Paul Kryczko
