Traffic signals at busy Washtenaw Avenue intersections to get sync upgrade
The intersection of Hewitt and Packard roads in Ypsilanti on Monday, April 1. Cameras have been placed at the intersection for surveillance by the Washtenaw County Road Commission to improve traffic flow.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
Traffic signals at four intersections on Washtenaw Avenue will be upgraded and receive surveillance cameras, as well as two intersections on Huron River Drive and one at Hewitt and Packard roads.
All of the traffic signals on Washtenaw Avenue from Carpenter Road to Oakwood Avenue also will be wirelessly connected, as will signals on Huron River Drive, Golfside Road and Clark Avenue.
The Road Commission approved the measure in a 2-0 vote at its regular meeting Tuesday. Road Commissioner Ken Schwartz was absent.
A traffic surveillance camera in place at Hewitt and Packard roads in Ypsilanti. The camera is used by the Washtenaw County Road Commission to improve traffic flow.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
Siddall said the Road Commission likes to look at the entire corridor to determine where the majority of people are driving at certain times of the day to time the signals accordingly.
The surveillance cameras don’t record video and are used to monitor traffic conditions during peak times or when people call in an issue, Siddall said.
Previously, Road Commission crews would have to make changes to the timing of traffic signals by being on-site.
The equipment upgrade will now allow engineers to remotely manage the timing of the signals and observe traffic patterns from their office on Zeeb Road.
It will also help the Road Commission to be more responsive to unexpected events by allowing them to change the timing of the traffic signals during accidents, major incidents or construction, Siddall said.
The signal upgrade costs a total of $490,000 and will begin this summer. Funding for the project comes from federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement funds.
The upgrades will expand the existing network of nine video surveillance cameras operated by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, which were first installed in 2011 at a startup cost of $1.2 million. The $1.2 million also came from the same stream of federal funding.
Intersections marked with a red dot will receive traffic signal upgrades and surveillance cameras this year. Those marked with a green triangle are already in existence.
Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Road Commission
Comments
Lake Trout
Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
While I am in agreement with the timing of the lights in these areas, I am much more concerned about the condition of the roadways that destroy our vehicles. If I would have a vote on where that $409K plus money were spent, it would be on road repairs please.
leaguebus
Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 3:17 a.m.
I don't see how this could work without doing the AA side of Carpenter too. All the increased flow to the west will just dump more cars faster into the meat grinder west of Carpenter. With a solid line of cars from Arborland east to Carpenter, it doesn't matter how the westbound Washtenaw light works at Carpenter.
A24Mee
Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 1:48 a.m.
I've never seen anything worse than Washtenaw between Platt Rd. and Carpenter. It is ALWAYS backed up, especially eastbound, any time of day. And the traffic exiting from Whole Foods is some of the worst inconsiderate driving anywhere.
Ann English
Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 12:08 a.m.
Packard and Carpenter isn't as bad as those that don't have a traffic sync yet, but still, driving through a nearby residential area is more inviting in order to get to Meijer and Target. Hopefully some truck drivers will read this article and realize that Packard and Carpenter is noting the traffic frequency 2 4 hours a day, so they don't really need to avoid THIS intersection.
Ann English
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
Are we ever glad to see the Washtenaw-Carpenter intersection among the intersections to get a traffic surveillance camera! Sitting for two minutes or more to get through that intersection is something I've been choosing alternatives to for years. Now if such a camera could watch and report traffic regularity at Maple-Stadium and Jackson, motorists wishing to turn left onto Maple from eastbound Jackson could stop having to idle through FIVE TRAFFIC LIGHT CYCLES to make their left turns!
golfer
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
good idea. lets do the rest of ann arbor. save gas and emissions.
MartyMcFly
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 6:34 p.m.
And why does Main Street not have a suicide lane from the stadium to down town? Anyone who has driven down that stretch of road has seen someone trying to take a left, and everyone immediately darts over to the right lane. Dangerous! Someone is going to get killed one of these days, mark my words.
MartyMcFly
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 6:28 p.m.
Whoever is in charge of traffic in Washtenaw Co needs to be fired immediately. I've lived here for going on six years now, and I cringe every time I drive around A2 at the horrible decisions and wasted taxpayer dollars that have gone into some of the roads around here. Why in the hell is there a stop sign when going into Briarwood Mall? Pointless traffic build up for no reason at all. Any other mall (or any establishment for that matter) the people coming in have the green light. That is an awful design I thought was left behind in the 1980's, but not in A2. Why is there a stop light while turning into Briarwood circle off of State Street? In every other city in America I've been to, if you are crossing a one way street (which you can see either way for miles I might add) you can just go. Most pointless red-light in Washtenaw Co, and a giant waste of taxpayer funds. How about those jagged, tire killing pieces of concrete thrown in front of Arborland? Whoever designed that needs to have their civil engineering degree revoked, if that person had one to begin with. How about the awkward three way stop over on S. Fifth Ave? There is a wreck at that intersection just about every week, including one there this morning. What is up with the Michigan left turns? The intersection of Eisenhower and State street has one, just in front of the BP gas station at that intersection. It is too wide and results in people lining up side by side to turn out of that "michigan left turn", which is extremely dangerous in even light traffic. And with the insurance companies having their way with laws in Michigan, a-la no fault insurance, that 17 year old kid in a $1000 car that just smashed into your newly paid off late modle car, you're just screwed my friend. Thanks for looking out for your residents, Michigan. No wonder people are fleeing this state
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
Multiple agencies are responsible for the design, construction and repair of roads in Washtenaw County -- it depends on where you are. For cities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, they are responsible for roads within their city limits -- like the arrangement around Briarwood Mall. In township areas not bounded by city limits, that responsibility falls to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
brimble
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 5:53 p.m.
Ann Arbor's lights are certainly coordinated against the flow of traffic; that is, they are set to reduce speed along major arteries by forcing regular stops. The most comical is the light on North Maple opposite the K-Mart Plaza and the west entrance of Vet's Park (which is currently under reconstruction). That light cycles red for north- and southbound Maple Rd. traffic even when there is no "demand" from vehicles or pedestrians out of the plaza or the park. Badly timed or cycled lights waste gas and increase pollution, to say nothing of frustrating us!
Ann English
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:56 p.m.
Now there's a light that could really use a traffic surveillance camera! Right at the bottom of TWO hills, it could improve winter traffic by lessening the stops at it so motorists could better use momentum to climb the hills to other lights at Dexter and Jackson. And less chances of motorists sliding down the hill to gently collide with others already waiting for that "comical...light....opposite the K-Mart Plaza....". It was a good idea to put the traffic light there, after a driver attempting to turn left onto Maple from K-Mart had a bad accident with some traffic already on Maple. It was obvious what had happened.
An Arborigine
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
What a novel idea!
Penz1111
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
How about doing something with the stoplight at Hogback and Huron River? There's only a couple of hours each day where it's really needed. The rest of the time, there's almost no traffic. I can't tell you how many times I've waited for the red light when I'm the only one at the intersection the whole time.
Ann English
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
From what you say, it sounds like yet another intersection to avoid, and driving through residential neighborhoods near it instead.
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
that's a great spot for a roundabout
E. Daniel Ayres
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
I'm sure that professional traffic engineering folks have known what can and should be done to improve traffic flows for a long time. It is the "money games" being played and the outrageous expenses for simple things which have delayed responsible action on this issue. The availability of "Federal Money" always seems to promote spending whether it is responsible spending or not. It also promotes a "piecemeal" approach to solving problems which ends up costing more than it should.
sesomai
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I stopped taking the bus recently because the evening commute is so long because of how slowly traffic moves on Washtenaw during peak hours. I'd love to be able to start using it again and will if I know I won't be so late getting home in the evenings.
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
That exact problem is one that county leaders and those involved with ReImagine Washtenaw are trying to fix. While the ultimate goal of this traffic signal sync and wireless integration is to improve the traffic flow through the Washtenaw Avenue corridor, it may take more than just signal upgrades to have an effect. That's why a study is underway to see what kind of physical upgrades or engineering to the roadway may be needed to prevent cars from just sitting on the road in traffic.
YouAreNotAlwaysRight
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Wow, about time! The light at Washtenaw and Carpenter has long been the worst intersection in the county. You can sit for 4-5 minutes in the middle of the night if you catch it at the wrong time. However the light at Liberty and Wagner on the west side is amazing. During the day, traffic is always flowing freely and at night, regardless of what direction I come from, the light is green by the time I get there. Leave that one alone. I realize there is far less traffic there than on Washtenaw, but it's an excellent example of how traffic lights should work.
Craig
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
You know you're in Ann Arbor when you're at a 4 lane intersection and 3 of 4 the 4 lanes are stopped (for a long time) for a red light, and the 4th lane has no one in it, or you go from yellow light to yellow when traveling down a road unless you go about 10 over the speed limit. Sure wish they'd update their traffic computer from the old 80386 that they use. I am sympathetic to need to spend $750,000.00 for an I-beam with Christmas lights on it outside of city hall.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
Can I access these cameras from the comfort of my house like I can for M-DOT?
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
I'm currently seeking an answer to that question. If you'd like, email me at amybiolchini@annarbor.com so I can make sure I get a response to you.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
if the goal is to mitigate traffic congestion allowing public access couldn't hurt that goal.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
What compelling reason would there be (other than perhaps cost) to keep me from that information?
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
I don't believe so, Craig. These cameras are for use by engineers at the Road Commission. Several local police agencies, including the Wahstenaw County Sheriff's Office, are considering using the feed from the cameras to help them dispatch the correct units to traffic accidents.
Peter Eckstein
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
Why are these traffic improvements limited to Washtenaw east of Ann Arbor? The congestion can be terrible for a couple of miles within the city.
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
Brad's on point here, Peter -- that portion of Washtenaw Avenue is a state trunkline that's managed by the Washtenaw County Road Commission under their contract agreement.
Brad
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
Because it's the county doing it. They have this crazy idea that they should actually be trying to *improve* the flow of motorized traffic. Ha!
Tom
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
I the road commission is really serious about improving traffic flow how about prohibiting AATA buses from sitting at stops along Washtenaw Ave to adjust their schedules. Let them do their schedule adjustments at stops that don't impede the flow of traffic.
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
There's a study underway by the ReImagine Washtenaw initiative to evaluate the best way to integrate the bus traffic with regular car traffic on Washtenaw Avenue. More here: http://www.annarbor.com/news/reimagine-washtenaw-progress-survey-underway-major-changes-likely-years-away/
local
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
Agree totally, specially during rush hour. They did a nice job by Arborland on the one side where the bus has a pull off area. Two lanes of traffic can continue to move on the one side. As for every other stops along Washtenaw, complete nightmare.
Vivienne Armentrout
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
I wonder whether these improvements are being made in conjunction with Reimagine Washtenaw http://www.washtenawavenue.org/ - they have been calling for signals to allow buses to delay lights when the bus is near the intersection, and ultimately bus queueing lanes.
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
Good question. From the interview I had with Nathan Voght, project manager for ReImagine Washtenaw, in November, he didn't mention the Road Commission's involvement in terms of managing the traffic signals. http://www.annarbor.com/news/reimagine-washtenaw-progress-survey-underway-major-changes-likely-years-away/ However, ReImagine Washtenaw is using $250,000 of a $3 million grant Washtenaw County received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to do a traffic right-of-way and transit stop design study that will end in summer 2013. That study will make recommendations for bus stop designs, configurations and queue-jump lanes.
Hugh Giariola
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
The light at Geddes & Dixboro Roads westbound before Rt 23 is ridiculously short in the mornings. Maybe 2-3 cars tops can get through that light (going straight) in one cycle.
motorcycleminer
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:05 a.m.
As SLR said kudo's to county for trying to make the traffic lights do something to improve flow etc..sadly the same can't be said for Oz where light sequence and traffic flow are just a joke..unless you ride a bike in which case they largely ignored....
2WheelsGood
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
I should clarify that it's a problem for both bicycles and motorcycles.
2WheelsGood
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
I agree. I can't understand how a town like AA can so completely ignore alternate modes of transportation. I have made MANY illegal left turns simple because the light will never change if you're on a bike.
dading dont delete me bro
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:05 a.m.
what intersection is the green triangle on michigan ave between 94 & 23 representing?
tdw
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
Kyle...that must be it cause there ain't no signal there
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 6:42 p.m.
Hi dading- I believe that is the location of one of the Road Commission's maintenance yards as noted by s2wrk. Maybe Amy can answer for sure, but I would suspect it is just a camera used for watching trucks moving about the yard.
tdw
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.
slave...For the life of me I can't think of any traffic signals between Carptender and Munger
slave2work
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 4:25 p.m.
not munger either... thats by the bread store, or the road commision yard on Michigan ave.
tdw
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
I mean Munger
tdw
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:27 a.m.
I'm gonna guess it's misplaced and should be at Ellis
Arieswoman
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:42 a.m.
I would like something done with the lights on Eisenhower! You come to a red light at King George and no one is there so you have to just sit and wait for the light to change. The lights need to be in sync for better traffic flow.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:27 a.m.
So why has it taken decades to come up with this brilliant plan to help with this traffic nightmare? Funny how discussion of a County wide road tax vote and the abolishing the County road commissions across the State has jump started the process of paying more attention to local resident concerns.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Thanks for the additional information.
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission's traffic surveillance and wireless connection program has been in place since 2011, and the Road Commission had to apply for additional money last year to be able to fund this expansion on Washtenaw Avenue that will be installed this year. The new Michigan law that would allow counties to dissolve their road commissions was passed in 2012. I don't know if we could directly link these together, especially since the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners brought up a countywide road tax and possibly restructuring the Road Commission just this March.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:27 a.m.
I wish we could improve our roads on all major traffic arteries in Ann Arbor with this technology so that our lights could be synchronized and adjustable in real-time, too. Kudos to the County Road Commission for applying for and winning these grants! If we installed this technology throughout Ann Arbor, this would greatly relieve back-ups during rush hour and on game days and improve the quality of life for both residents, daily commuters and visitors to Ann Arbor. I'd like to see city council in Ann Arbor pass a resolution adding this to the long term capital budget for our roads and direct city management to apply for these grants.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
That would be counter to Mayor Lieftje's goal of making it as difficult as possible to drive in AA.