Montgomery County Completes Traffic Signal Modernization
Three weeks ahead of schedule, the Department of Transportation has completed conversion of its 1980 vintage Traffic Signal System that controls the County’s 800 traffic signals. The old system relied on one central computer to control signal timing. The new system has signal controllers at intersections that also can be centrally managed and features the flexibility to allow future upgrades.
Although upgraded over the years, the technology had become obsolete and many of the parts and components were no longer available. In 2009, following a problem with the outdated equipment, County Executive Ike Leggett accelerated the schedule for replacement of the signal system.
The signal upgrade project has three phases:
- Phases one and two, now complete, replaced the central computers and software, installed new local intersection controllers and upgraded the communications network. In addition to all of the control and monitoring functions of the current signal system, the new system has additional capabilities and tools that will optimize traffic flow and support future applications.
- Phase three will be completed over the next three years. During that time, other signal devices in the County -- such as school flashers and hazard beacons -- will be brought under the system’s control. In addition, in case of power failures, back-up power systems will be installed at all 250 County-owned traffic signals.
The cost for planning and implementation of the two completed phases of the signal system was $25.1 million. Phase three will cost $10.8 million.
Posted on ActiveRain as a community service. Character counts in Gaithersburg.
Daylily, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1609
Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Roy,
In reading your post, it made me laugh to think that 1980 is vintage and antiquated...and yet you are right it is 32 years ago...My how time flew we have been having fun all along, and I am sure you and Dolores have too. Have a great week and thanks for the reblog. A
Roy,
Wow they finished the project 3 weeks ahead of time. Amazing!! Down here they woyuld have found a way to make that project last another 1-2 years! The traffic signals were just a tad outdated as technology today versus 1980 are light years different. The cost figures are rather unbelievable. Good localism post for residents of your community.
Thanks for stopping by. It is nice to receive comments on localisms that are not of general interest.
Have an outstanding week with your camera in hand.
Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_1599
Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Roy - It seems simple enough to change out a traffic light, but it's not simple, or cheap. At a cost of over $25 million it's a wonderful safety improvement for your area.
Roy, That is great that they finished ahead of schedule! Beautiful photos!
It's always exciting to finish ahead of the game plan! Good for them!! :)))
Good morning Roy -
I ditto many of the others comment in the fact it's always great for a city project to be completed ahead of schedule. Albuquerque is pretty good about getting big (traffic stoppers or slower) completed quickly. They'd have a riot on their hands if they allowed contractors to drag their feet :)
Have a great day in all you and Dolores do!
Thank you very much for your comments.
Pat: Visitors need to be warned about the large number of traffic cameras in the area. It is very easy to get speeding tickets.
Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_2770 A
Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Good morning, Roy! Great to hear that Montgomery County, MD, has completed the Traffic Signal Modernization --- and AHEAD of schedule, too! Excellent localism post. Wishing you a great day in real estate and photography!