First traffic signaling device installed in Carefree, AZ

TEMPE, AZ - 08/31/2010 - The desert town of Carefree, AZ is famous for its lack of traffic signals, its minimal street lighting and an unhurried pace. And yes, you can even find Easy Street in Carefree.

For years the city's residents shunned any kind of signaling device beyond a static sign. However, in July the city activated its first traffic signaling device: an In-Roadway Lighting (IRWL) system near Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Road. The system was set up as a pedestrian crosswalk from a condominium area to the town center. Previously, the nearest crossing was one-quarter of a mile north of the new crossing. Since there are no sidewalks in the area, most residents did not care to walk.

The project was configured by Parson's Brinkerhoff acting as a consultant to ADOT. The street has four through lanes of travel, a left turn and a 9-foot wide median. Acting as the southwest distributor for Traffic Safety Corporation, Solar Traffic Controls provided 12 - TS500 series fixtures for the project along with poles, flashing beacons, pedestrian button stations and a solar power package to run the entire system. As the roadway is slightly curved, a mix of TS520 and TS550 lamps were used to provide good light-spread to oncoming motorists. Each type of lamp features a bi-directional output with different lenses allowing for a mix of narrow/wide beam and wide/wide beam optical outputs.

Local residents were thrilled when the installation began. Many commented on the dangers of crossing at the location with no crosswalk lines and low lighting levels in the area.

STC furnished the system to Rural Electric of Mesa, AZ who worked as the electrical sub-contractor to DCS Construction. Rural Electric provided personnel to perform the installation work on the project. STC provided engineering staff on-site for installation of the electrical portion of the system. The project was paid for with an ADOT grant which was based on stimulus funding.

For more information on STC's products and services, please stay here on our website or send an email to info@solar-traffic-controls.com or call 480.449.0222.