Survey Brings Traffic Signal Flaws To Light

Published: Oct 15, 2007

A recent survey gives the nation's traffic signals low marks, and a county transportation official says Hillsborough's system probably didn't fare any better.

The National Transportation Operations Coalition gave a grade of D to traffic signals nationally based on their condition, age, maintenance record and the overall investment in the systems by cities and counties.

Poor coordination of traffic signals costs the average American 38 hours of travel time and 26 gallons of fuel yearly, the coalition says.

Low as it is, the grade is slightly better than two years ago, when the same group of transportation planners and engineers gave the nation's traffic signals a collective D-minus.

Mike McCarthy, the county's transportation services manager, said he doubts Hillsborough's system posted better than a D.

He hasn't seen the score - he'll probably see it this week, but McCarthy figures the county came up short.

While Hillsborough has invested millions in traffic signals, video cameras to monitor intersections, software and other technology since 2000, and plans to spend $15 million more over the next five years, it has fewer traffic engineers out in the field to make sure the system works properly.

Ideally, busy corridors should be checked twice yearly to make sure the signals' timing works perfectly.

"We're doing more with less," said McCarthy, adding that crews are skipping some routine maintenance to focus on repairs. "You can only do that for so long before you have problems. It's like driving without getting an oil change."

Since 1999, the number of traffic signals countywide has grown 66.4 percent to 702 devices, including standard signals, flashing lights and school flashers. At the same time, the number of workers overseeing traffic has dropped by five.

Given the constraints, McCarthy doubts the county scored much higher than a D.

Idiot-Proof Cars: No Driver

Cruise control has been standard for years and some new cars can parallel park at the flick of a switch. Now comes a car that does it all without a driver.

A self-navigating Subaru Outback designed by University of Central Florida engineers uses an array of sensors to avoid objects, merge with traffic and plot a route through city streets.

The car, called the Knight Rider VIP, is among 36 entries in a contest in Victorville, Calif., on Oct. 26-31, sponsored by a military research agency. The technology someday could be used in military supply convoys, but years from now could have commercial applications, too, says Don Harper, a UCF researcher.

"If you're driving to Miami it could be nice," he said. "You could take a nap or read a book."

Fountains Penned Up

Ed White of Brandon recently wrote asking about two fountains "that have never worked on a consistent basis" near the Brandon entrance to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

There's good reason why they're not working, says Sue Chrzan, spokeswoman for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway. They were tested when installed two years ago - then promptly switched off because of the drought.

Got a gripe about your commute? Contact reporter Rich Shopes at rshopes@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7633.