In the United States, many local governments have had their plans for transportation projects impacted by the reduction of tax revenue and project funding due to the current economic downturn. As money for transportation projects is reduced, many projects have been temporarily halted.

States, counties, municipalities and cities are anxiously waiting to find out what money will be available and how they can spend it based on the recent economic stimulus package. The package includes possible funding for infrastructure upgrades and development. A challenge for the local government will be to quickly identify and submit projects for infrastructure funding that will not take a long time to research and implement, while at the same time will have a large enough impact in order to stimulate the economy by creating jobs.

Stimulating the stimuli

Transportation projects tend to be a good way to generate economic benefits as they are frequently planned well in advance and are just waiting for funding. These projects can be initiated with short notice and immediately create employment opportunities.

Transportation projects take the form of new road construction, road upgrades and public transportation systems, as well as changes to traffic intersection control systems such as replacing incandescent signal lamps with LED lamps and adding battery backup systems to controlled intersections.

Without a battery backup system in place, a power outage or disturbance leaves intersections uncontrolled; the risk of accidents and injuries increases, and direct and indirect costs can be incurred. Backup systems keep traffic flowing during power outages but are not always recognized as a standard component of traffic signal systems.

Power down

There are a number of options available to manage intersection power outages.

  • Rely on drivers to use the fourway stop procedure. This is a temporary solution that does not work well in high volume intersections. Drivers often become irritated and aggressive, which leads to intersection accidents.
  • Place a traffic control officer at the intersection to direct traffic. This works well based on the availability of resources, the time required for an officer to reach the intersection and the volume of the intersection.
  • Use generators as a temporary power solution for the intersection controls. This can be costly due to the fuel and manpower required.
  • Install a Battery Backup System. These systems are ruggedized, outdoor uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) designed specifically for traffic applications. They provide a seamless transition to backup power, offer long runtimes, are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and environments where heat, cold, dust and debris can affect equipment, and are able to withstand vibrations caused by cars, trains, trucks and buses.

These ruggedized, outdoor UPS systems include a UPS control module providing sophisticated power conditioning and filtering, fast transfer times, and advanced monitoring and communication capabilities.

Additional options can be added to a back up system to further increase its reliability. Specialized batteries provide dependable, long service life regardless of environmental conditions. In colder climates battery heater mats are essential for keeping batteries within optimal operating temperatures. Transfer and bypass switches, locking doors, generator connections, ground mounting pedestals and welldesigned outdoor-rated enclosures protecting the system components from environmental elements are additional components that can help keep traffic moving.

Out of the darkness

DOTs and local governments can quickly implement traffic signal lamp conversions and battery backup systems, meeting the urgent need for economic stimulation though infrastructure projects. These worthwhile projects will have an immediate, positive impact on the public and the economy. Jobs will be created. Energy costs will be reduced. Fewer controlled intersections will be left in the dark during power disturbances, thus reducing the risk of accidents and the costs associated with them, while increasing intersection safety and keeping traffic moving.