Updated traffic intersection requires new ‘brain’

The project to upgrade the Golden Rain Road-St. Andrews Drive traffic light to increase pedestrian safety is still in flux as it has been determined that the system needs a new traffic signal controller to appropriately activate the phasing system. The traffic signal controller is the “brain” that tells each signal display when to change colors and can be programmed to better manage the phasing at the new light.

The Facilities Department is now drafting a request with pricing for the new part. The GRF Board will consider the request as soon as possible. If approved, and once ordered, the part could take up to 140 days to arrive for installation.

As it stands now, the light has four phases, including a pedestrian protected phase, which stops all traffic for 46 seconds. This phasing is ongoing, whether or not there are pedestrians crossing.

A new traffic signal controller will allow the pedestrian phasing to occur only when people push the appropriate button, so traffic will not be stopped at times when there is no one crossing the intersection.

Currently, vehicles can be stopped as long as one minute, 48 seconds at the light depending on when in the phasing cycle they approach the intersection. That time will be reduced once the new controller is installed.