Four-way Signal
BURLINGTON – N.C. Department of Transportation crews activated a four-way signal at the intersection of Burch Bridge Road and Flora Avenue in Burlington Thursday, Aug. 16, as part of safety improvement measures for drivers in the area.
“A combination of concern by public officials and residents spurred a traffic study that determined that there was in fact a need for a signal at this intersection,” said NCDOT Division Traffic Engineer Dawn McPherson. “The study found that a high volume of traffic and increased collisions warranted a new light at this location which we were happy to turn on this week.”
The new light also includes a video detection system as part of
NCDOT’s Intelligent Transportation System. Traditionally NCDOT uses traffic monitoring loops underneath the pavement at intersections with signal lights, which are comprised of copper wires with an electronic field around them that trigger signal lights. Video detection systems can be seen at many intersections managed by local municipalities, but this particular location will be a test site for NCDOT’s Division Seven.
“We’re trying to determine if this type of vehicle detection monitoring will save the division costs,” said Division Engineer Mike Mills. “Monitoring systems underneath the pavement can be damaged due to accidents and wear and with time, which can cost the department. We hope that with these cameras being mounted on the traffic poles, they will be less likely to be damaged and save the taxpayers money.”
The department encourages motorists to pay attention when approaching the new signal and obey the posted speed limit in the area.
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