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Hubbard updates 10 traffic lights
New signals will move traffic more efficiently and, in turn, will improve air quality.
HUBBARD — Ten traffic signals being upgraded along North Main and West Liberty streets in the city will produce benefits for motorists and pedestrians.
“It means synchronization of traffic lights and safer crossings,” said Mayor Arthur Magee. “It means being able to flip a switch and get red traffic signals to let emergency vehicles through.”
The traffic signal improvement is important to motorists and pedestrians for two reasons, said Ed Palestro of the city’s Light Department. Traffic will move more efficiently and that, in turn, will improve air quality.
“These are technologically advanced programs and state-of-the-art equipment,” Palestro said.
Hubbard officials learned from Ohio Department of Transportation data that 15,000 vehicles, including a good number of trucks, travel daily on the main roads of the city.
About three years ago, the city applied for and received approval from ODOT to upgrade the traffic signals on the two main corridors.
Magee said the cost is $2 million. The project, which began in the spring, is expected to be completed by October. The mayor said that once all signals are installed, then they will be put into use.
The funds, from the Federal Highway Administration through the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, are a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant.
Magee said the traffic signals improvements involve new foundations, new mast arms (from which the lights hang) and new signals.
The city, which had been compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, said the new signals and structure enhance that as well.
And, working with the signals, the pedestrian crosswalks have flashing signs of “walk” and “no walk.”
“The city of Hubbard has been aggressive and kept up with improvements,” Magee said.
“I think our administrators have thought about the welfare of the community ... and we’re ahead of the game.”
He said it also demonstrates that even small communities such as Hubbard can have access to and use state-of-the-art equipment.
Magee added that the new lights will ease traffic around the school zone, where a new high school is being built.
The ODOT-led project is being installed by Perram Electric of Wads- worth, which was the low bidder.
Workers in Hubbard’s Light Department are being trained to do maintenance and upkeep on the traffic lights to keep them in good working order.