Traffic light timing along Ross Street between Cornett Drive and 43rd Avenue has been adjusted as the city tests a light synchronization system that may improve traffic flow.
Vehicles moving along Ross Street are now given priority green lights.
Red lights will still be triggered by pedestrians crossing Ross Street when they press the pedestrian signal button. However, more time allocated to the pedestrians may disturb the synchronization of traffic lights for a while.
The change in signal timings is in effect during mid-day and peak hours from Monday to Friday.
During the evenings and non-peak hours, signal timings will revert to standard with side street activation.
“Ross Street is a primary access in and out of the downtown and we want to alleviate congestion during commuting hours,” said Frank Colosimo, Engineering Services Department manager. “This change in signal timings will help us determine whether fixed time synchronization of traffic lights improves traffic flow.”
Last year, fixed time synchronization of traffic lights was put in place along 30th Avenue. The city continues to collect data on traffic patterns along this busy roadway.
The city will measure the performance of the new system by reviewing the travel times and delays. Based on the comparison and public feedback, the city will decide whether to maintain the new method of synchronization along Ross Street or revert to the old method.
To provide feedback, contact engineering@reddeer.ca.