For the first time in decades Decatur has added a new set of traffic signals at an intersection where previously none existed. The combination is complex, a three-way split phase series west of the new Talley Street Upper Elementary.
The signals, or 12 traffic lights total, control the three approaches on South Columbia Drive, Talley Street and Shadowmoor Drive.
When the signals first went live earlier this month there were some early morning issues, particularly on Columbia heading south and turning left onto Talley, with traffic stretching back to College Avenue. But Assistant City Manager David Junger said the timing has been adjusted and the signals should operate far more efficiently when school reopens after winter break on Feb. 24.
The new signals feature infrared technology detecting pedestrians who are waiting to cross Columbia, thereby eliminating any button pushing. Junger believes this is the first such system in DeKalb County.
Additionally vehicle detection is done by radar instead of the usual wire loop buried under the road. This means, among other advantages, there will be no loop to tear up when Columbia needs repaving.
Indeed, a one-mile stretch of South Columbia, from East College to the city limits, is slated for milling, patching repairing and resurfacing later this year or early in 2021.
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