Some I.F. traffic signals scheduled to go dark throughout May
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The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.
IDAHO FALLS — The City of Idaho Falls, in partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department, will be conducting a traffic signal removal study throughout the month of May. The study will begin on Monday, May 9 and will be completed in two phases. Preselected signals will go dark for four days during each phase of the study.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate and consider the possible removal of traffic signals at various intersections in Idaho Falls. Traffic signals contribute significantly to some types of intersection crashes and introduce delays to motorists on busy arterial roadways. Too many traffic signals in a given corridor reduce the effectiveness of efforts to coordinate signals to produce good traffic flow progression. “While traffic signals provide significant benefits when utilized appropriately, it is important that signals only be used where their benefits are significant enough to outweigh the problems they create,” states Kent Fugal, City Engineer.
The process for studying potential removal includes analysis of traffic volumes, crash history, and roadway geometry at each intersection to determine if there is sufficient justification for the signal. If adequate justification for the signal was not found, the traffic signal is taken out of operation for four days to perform a field delay study and detailed traffic analysis.
The traffic signals at the following intersections will be taken temporarily out of service (4 days) during the dates specified:
May 9 – May 12. The signals will return to normal operation on May 13.
17th Street/June Avenue
Broadway/Shoup Avenue
Broadway/Lindsay Boulevard
May 16 – May 19. The signals will return to normal operation on May 20.
17th Street/Ponderosa Drive
Yellowstone Avenue/B Street
Yellowstone Avenue/A Street
At each intersection, drivers can expect to encounter the traffic signal to be shut off and all signal heads to be covered up. Each signal mast arm will have a sign on it that says, “Signal under study for removal.” Temporary stop signs will be placed on the minor street approaches to the intersection, and traffic will flow on the major street as if there were no signal there. The intersection should not be treated as an all-way stop.
Following the study, detailed traffic and cost analysis will be performed for each of the six intersections. A public open house will be held mid-summer to gather feedback on the potential removal. Final decisions regarding removal, if any, will be made by the City of Idaho Falls and ITD.
For additional information about the study, the process, or to review other intersections that have been under consideration for possible removal, contact Public Works at (208) 612-8256, click HERE or visit the City of Idaho Falls’ website at www.idahofallsidaho.gov and click on the Public Works Department page.