Goodyear, AZ Upgrades in-roadway crosswalk with STC Ped-X flashers

TEMPE, AZ - 06/20/2007 - In 2001, Goodyear installed one of the first mid-block, in-roadway crosswalk flasher systems in front of its city hall. Motorists grew accustomed to stopping when it was activated due to high pedestrian traffic volume. Over the years, city hall was relocated and Goodyear enjoyed a significant population increase. With its growth came more vehicular traffic while pedestrian traffic subsided.

Recently, residents began to express that the lamps were not bright enough to attract motorists' attention during bright sunny days despite W11 signs with embedded LED flashers mounted on posts adjacent to the crosswalk. Dave Mueller of the City of Goodyear Street division, requested assistance from Solar Traffic Controls for a solution incorporating 12-inch wig-wag flashers which could be integrated into the existing system. The existing system was AC-powered; the wiring was installed using a saw cut and closed with loop sealant. Running wires across the road for additional equipment was impossible.

It was agreed that dual 12-inch amber flashers be added to the top of each sign pole adjacent to the crosswalk. As no wiring could be run across the roadway, the flasher control package was installed as a Solar Ped-X "wireless" crosswalk. The Solar Ped-X master unit, co-located with the in-ground system controls, was set up as an AC-powered rather than a solar-powered device. The opposite side, with no power, was set up as a solar-powered, Solar Ped-X slave unit.

Limited pole space required a special signal mounting assembly. The STC engineering staff was able to guide Goodyear personnel to integrate the push button function from the existing system controls with the Solar Ped-X equipment and oversee the final installation of the equipment by City staff.

The lamps chosen for the project were Precision Solar Controls Model 2385 with an 1100 Cd optical output on center. These lamps provide superior output for the electrical power draw, thus minimizing solar and battery requirements. Dave Mueller reports that motorists have become more aware of pedestrians since installation of the flashers. Dave also feels that using flashers in tandem with in-roadway lighting should always be considered based upon Goodyear's results.

About Solar Traffic Controls, LLC
Solar Traffic Controls (STC) designs and manufactures solar-powered traffic control systems for city, state and federal DOTs. Its primary products are solar-powered flashing beacon systems used for school zones and 24-hour applications. What sets STC's systems apart from its competitors: technical merit. For more information, please visit www.solar-traffic-controls.com