A new traffic light at the intersection of Meade and Cathedral Streets, between Outeniqua and Holy Cross primary schools, will be activated on Friday 16 February 2018. The primary goal of the existing four-way stop being converted to a traffic light is the contribution this will make to a dependable schedule for the GO GEORGE bus service.
The new traffic light will distribute existing traffic congestion better, benefitting traffic in general, and consequently the bus schedules. Since this conversion will not be without growing pains, road users are urged to use the intersection with the necessary caution.
Extended upgrading project
George Municipality is busy with an extended project to upgrade the traffic lights on all the main routes (corridors) in the city being used by GO GEORGE buses, with new hardware. This equipment will make it possible to control traffic flow using the latest software. The project as a whole is aimed at supporting the GO GEORGE bus service – which offers an essential service to a huge part of the city’s residents – to stay on schedule, and will also include the installation of traffic lights where needed. As a result, traffic flow in general will benefit by the upgrade.
According to Trevor Botha, George Municipal Manager, the controllers of the traffic lights being are being replaced. “To be able to control traffic flow from one central point, we have to standardise the controllers to one type that supplies feedback to the control centre where we will be working with the latest technology and software. Up to now, we have been using the U-shaped loop in the road surface just in front of the traffic light. However, these sensors get damaged when any work on the road is undertaken and by normal wear and tear of the roads. The new apparatus being installed on top of the traffic light poles will supply continuous visual feedback of the situation at the intersection,” said Botha.
Effect on synchronisation
Botha points out that the normal synchronisation of traffic lights – the new ones included – is currently disrupted by wide-spread construction work on traffic lights all over town, since all lights have to work with the same technology before synchronisation will be possible again. “We realise that this is frustrating and apologise for the inconvenience. We ask for road users’ patience and cooperation so that we eventually may implement a first-class system for George.”
Any complaints regarding traffic lights may be reported to the Department of Electrotechnical Services at 044 874 3917 or 044 801 6300 (after hours). The George app is also an effective channel to report any municipal issues. Download the app from any mobile app store.