11/10/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Signal improvement project under way in Moscow
MOSCOW -- A traffic signal improvement project that began in Moscow this week will update signals at 16 intersections and will interrupt power at those intersections for brief periods, announced the Idaho Transportation Department.
Tsorco Inc. of Coeur d'Alene began the $527,000 upgrade Monday (Nov. 9). Workers will replace older style traffic control systems throughout the city. All of the controllers will be connected to the city's fiber optic network, explained ITD's District 2 traffic engineer Dave Couch.
Connecting to the city network will enable "progressive timing optimization" that is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic delays, Couch said. Two of the 16 traffic control units are on the city street network (both on Sixth Street). The remaining 14 are on the state highway system.
Work was scheduled to begin at Blaine Street and Idaho 8, in southeast Moscow, on the Troy Highway near the Eastside Market.
Traffic will be controlled by temporary stop signs while work is being done on the intersections. Replacement of the signal controllers should take four to six hours at each location.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution, watch for stop signs and be patient when traveling through intersections where work is being done, Couch said.
Crews are expected to work Mondays through Fridays and should be finished before Thanksgiving.