Council supports activating Owen Brown underpass smart signal; pole installed, to start in flash mode

Hudson City Council discussed and effectively endorsed installation of a smart traffic signal at the Owen Brown Road railroad underpass during its March 18 workshop. The signal was included in an ODOT funding package; staff said the pole is already installed and the unit will be placed in a flash/warning mode until traffic patterns warrant full signal operation.

"The signal's in. It's not operational yet, but the pole is there, and it's ready to go," City Manager Sheridan said. Sheridan described the device as a 'smart' signal that will detect queued vehicles and allow small groups of cars to proceed, reducing the need for added lanes or broader roadway changes. He said the city had included the signal in a grant and that putting the funding back would risk state and federal relations.

Several councilors who live near the intersection described mixed public feedback but generally supported activation. Councilor Van Wrigg said most constituents he heard from asked for a signal; Councilor Bandwig and others noted residents who drive the corridor daily favored the safety measure. Councilor Sutton asked that physical protections be installed to deter over‑height trucks from hitting the underpass; public works staff confirmed bollards to discourage over‑height vehicles are already planned for that location.

Staff indicated the signal will initially operate in a flash mode and move to full operation when traffic volumes increase or when downtown Phase 2 is developed, as traffic studies had anticipated. Councilors asked staff to notify them before the signal becomes fully operational so they can respond to constituent calls.