County to use next generation technology to further hone traffic signals

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STEVE is an acronym for Signal Timing, Evaluation, Verification and Enhancement. It is a project to collect data to further refine and improve signal timing and coordination on the county’s busiest streets. The Board of County Councilors today accepted a $920,000 federal grant to build upon the county’s ongoing traffic signal optimization program. Clark County will provide the remaining 20 percent of the project’s estimated $1.15 million cost. The grant will be administered by the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council. The project will install additional detectors and other equipment near traffic signals on major county corridors, including Highway 99, Padden Parkway, Northeast 78th Street, Northeast 99th Street and Northeast 134th Street. The detectors will pinpoint how many vehicles receive green lights and pass through the signal without stopping, as well as how many vehicles must stop. The county’s overarching goal is for drivers to receive as many green lights as possible. Effective traffic signal coordination not only reduces driver delay and aggravation, but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. In addition, fewer delays at signalized intersections can reduce the number of rear-end crashes. “Getting better performance out of our traffic signals has been a longstanding priority,” said Rob Klug, traffic signals manager for Clark County Public Works. “By using new technology, we can reduce delays and improve the quality of life for residents.” More information on county traffic signals is available on the county website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/traffic-signals.