ITD From the Vault: 1998
Video camera system triggering traffic signal on State Street

A video-vehicle detection system at the entrance to Headquarters on State Street is part of new technology research in Idaho.

The transportation department, in cooperation with the Ada County Highway District and the University of Idaho's National Center for Advanced Transportation Technology, is conducting the research.

ACHD crews have replaced the detection system for the signal at the Headquarters main entrance with a video-camera system.

The system detects vehicles moving into the view of a fixed video camera.

As soon as the system determines that a vehicle is traveling toward the State Street intersection, it will start the signal sequence that allows vehicles to enter State Street from the Headquarters entrance or 33rd Street.

Be patient though, State Street traffic gets its green signal time, about 90 seconds, first. For those pedestrians needing to cross State Street, you still have to push the crosswalk button.

Editor’s 2018 Note: The signal timing has changed significantly since 1998. Instead of one overall plan giving 90-second green time for State Street traffic, now there are AM Commute, Midday and PM Commute plans (and “green” times for State Street ranging from 79 seconds to 109 seconds). There also is a mid-morning and mid-afternoon plan, and an overnight plan when the signal timing is based on vehicle detection rather than adhering only to “green” time for State. There also are plans that govern weekend signal function.

If you got there at just the wrong time (say you're the 10th car back trying to get out from Hsadquarters and only the first eight get through the light), it could be a two-and-a half-minute wait until it's your time again.

 

Published 09-28-18