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Newton streets division urges planning funds for 40-year-old downtown traffic signals; SS4A grant sought
Summary
Streets staff told commissioners downtown traffic signals were built about 40 years ago, need replacement and that a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant could produce a replacement plan; signal work will require ADA, pedestrian and railroad coordination.
Streets division staff told the commission Thursday that several downtown traffic signals are roughly 40 years old and need replacement, and that touching an intersection's signal typically triggers a larger set of upgrades including ADA ramps and pedestrian equipment.
"When you touch a signal like that in that intersection, you have to do every corner, which means you have to look at ADA ramps," the streets presenter said. Staff said the downtown signals are linked and that work near the railroad at Fifth Street adds coordination complexity because the railroad arms affect traffic sequencing.
Staff said they have used a pavement-management tool called Street Saver to prioritize overlays and other work. The division also plans to upgrade school-zone lights to a Bluetooth-enabled system and add battery backup at the First and Meridian signal. Staff said they had applied for an SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) planning grant that would fund a multimodal plan to guide signal and pedestrian improvements; they were still awaiting a decision on that application.
Streets staff also described routine maintenance and event support (snow removal, storm response, concrete and curb repairs) and said they had completed more than 1,700 square yards of concrete and inspected all traffic signals during the prior year.
The presentation warned the commission that signal replacements are expensive: replacing equipment and handling associated curb/sidewalk/ADA work and coordination with utilities and the railroad increases project scope and cost. Staff said they will return with financial options and noted that the Street Saver data helps prioritize projects.
