Traffic Improvements Get the Green Light
The Town of Glastonbury sought to improve overall vehicular and pedestrian traffic operations along its busy Main Street. The result was a state-of-the-art traffic signal system that improves traffic flow, increases pedestrian safety, and reduces vehicle emissions along a heavily traveled corridor in Glastonbury’s commercial center.
The enhancement included complete replacement of traffic signal equipment at six signalized intersections along a mile-long stretch of Main Street. It also included the development of a new closed loop traffic signal system that is operated from Town Hall using fiber optic communications between the traffic controllers and the central system.
Key features include decorative black traffic signal equipment that blends with the aesthetics of the corridor, and video detection that helps control the signals at each intersection. Battery back-ups, along with uninterrupted power systems, help eliminate downtime during power failures. Also, emergency pre-emption helps fire trucks navigate the corridor more efficiently. In addition, fiber optic communications connect the traffic signals to each other and the central software in Town Hall, providing bandwidth for future expansion of the system.
Our team also provided environmental response services when contaminated soils and abandoned underground storage tanks (USTs) were encountered during excavation. We coordinated UST removal and contaminated soil management activities with the Town, contractor and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP). Field activities were completed with minimal schedule impacts, and in a cost conscience manner.
This project was funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program, and selected for funding by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). The Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) presented our team with a 2015 Transportation Achievement in Civil Engineering (ACE) Award of Merit for the design and construction of this project.
Services Snapshot
Tighe & Bond assisted the Town of Glastonbury with design and construction phase services, as well as environmental services, in support of the Main Street Traffic Signal Modernization project.
