P.A. set to decommission five sets of traffic lights

“These all fall well below the threshold to determine if a traffic signal is warranted at an intersection,” Engineering Services Manager Jeff Da Silva told council’s executive committee. He added these five signals represented a number of traffic lights that were “the quickest point out” as potential changes to the city’s overall traffic signal system.

The city’s virtual forest of red, amber and green – especially in the downtown — has drawn much criticism from motorists over the years and the mayor recently called for an acceleration to their decommissioning. Prince Albert has around 60 such signals, which is far more per capita compared to other jurisdictions. Also a major driving force is the exploding cost to taxpayers. The city’s administration has asked for money to hire another full-time employee just to deal with the regular maintenance and repair of the abundance of traffic lights throughout the city.

A map showing the location of the traffic lights set to be removed from the city’s downtown. Note that #2 on this graphic shows a signal at 12th Street that engineering staff have recommended not to be removed. Numbers 1 to 5 are set for removal. (Report/P.A. city council agenda )

The five traffic lights set for that big pile of wiring in the sky, subject to city council’s approval, are on Central Avenue at 11^th Street, 13^th Street and 14^th Street as well as on First Avenue E. and W. at 12^th Street. The removals on Central Avenue are further justified as it is one-way which reduces the potential for traffic conflict. Also, Mayor Greg Dionne has previously hinted the upcoming revitalization of the downtown core including improved pedestrianization would be a catalyst for traffic light removal. The traffic signal at Central Ave. and 12th Street was recommended to be left in place even though it also has a low conflict likelihood. However, as it’s a cross road access for both the downtown and the Diefenbaker Bridge it will remain pending potential re-assessment in future.

Counting the costs and savings

While he intention is to save taxpayer dollars over the long term, the decommissioning of the lights will see an immediate cost of around $3,800 per intersection in labour and equipment fleet charges, according to Da Silva. However, the city would also gain around $6,800 worth of spare parts for back-up instead of having to buy new, as well as $1,600 in annual maintenance and power cost savings for each intersection.

Ted Zurakowski was among the councillors who welcomed the move.

“This is a long day coming,” he said, noting also that the cost of the removals was a bit of a “misnomer” because these were “on staff time” and therefore absorbed as part of regular duties.

Pending city council’s go ahead, expected next month, motorists may soon be rejoicing far fewer stops as they navigate the downtown.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow

by Glenn Hicks

P.A. set to decommission five sets of traffic lights

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