Date:
Monday, February 06, 2006
Contact:
Al Gilson, Public Information Officer
(509)324-6015
gilsona@wsdot.wa.gov
Activation of an advance warning beacon system at the US 2/Farwell Road intersection is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 during the late morning hours.
The new beacons are designed to advise motorists that the traffic signal light ahead is about to change from green to yellow and red. Similar beacons are already in use near Wenatchee and are a familiar sight on Canadian roadways, but this Newport Highway intersection is the first application in this area. The signs are over the lanes, about 600 feet in advance of the intersection to the north and south. The system consists of amber beacons with a sign that reads: “Be Prepared to Stop when Flashing.”
This particular intersection was selected for the warning system based on collision data that showed frequent rear-end collisions. In a five-year period, there were 52 rear-enders at the US 2 and Farwell intersection.
The flashing warning light will activate a few seconds prior to the yellow signal at the intersection to warn the approaching motorists. When a motorist approaches the sign and observes the flashing lights, they should begin to reduce their speed as the upcoming signal will turn yellow very soon. The advance alert will lessen the surprise to the driver within the “dilemma zone” and reduce the potential of panic braking as the signal changes.
One change that drivers on Farwell Road will experience is a slight increase in the wait time for the activation of the green signal that allows them to cross the highway, especially during overnight hours when traffic volumes are low. The system will now need to allow for the extra seconds of advance warning for the US 2 traffic. The wait may be as long as 8 to 10 seconds instead of the current five second delay.
Some of the Wenatchee area installations have been in place since 2001 and are deemed a success. The WSDOT Traffic Engineering office will monitor the system and driver activity over the next few months and may make minor adjustments in the timing of the light sequence as needed.
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