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Oroville approves OptiComm infrared system to speed emergency vehicles
Summary
Council approved funding for Phase 1 of an OptiComm infrared traffic-signal interrupter project (Phase 1 estimated $53,000) to prioritize emergency vehicles at city intersections and authorized future integration with Caltrans signals in Phase 2.
The Oroville City Council approved a two‑phase plan to install OptiComm infrared signal interrupters that will give emergency vehicles priority at traffic signals. Staff said the system will improve response times and enhance safety by cycling lights to green for approaching emergency vehicles when intersections are clear of pedestrians.
Chief Tens described the project as a two‑phase implementation. Phase 1 — recommended for immediate funding from contingencies — was described in staff remarks as an estimated $53,000 project to equip city-owned signals and emergency vehicles and to allow the city electrician to evaluate infrastructure needs at each intersection. Phase 2 was described as a roughly $50,000 effort to integrate the system with Caltrans signals along the Highway 162 corridor; staff said Phase 2 would be requested in the 2025–26 budget and would require coordination with Caltrans.
Council members asked technical questions about pedestrian detection, which staff said the system accounts for by verifying intersections are clear before granting a green cycle to an emergency vehicle. Staff also said the system uses IR coding so it cannot be manipulated by the public.
Council voted to fund Phase 1 from contingency funds and the motion passed unanimously. Staff indicated the city will pilot the system and consider expanding access to other responder agencies by providing IR readers and access codes where appropriate.
