Arizona's New Remote-Controlled Traffic Signals Make Their Debut
2 November 1999
Arizona's New Remote-Controlled Traffic Signals Debut at Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500
PHOENIX, Nov. 1 -- Traffic Technology Inc. (TTI) of
Scottsdale, Ariz. will unveil a new technologically advanced traffic signal
that's anticipated to have a huge, positive impact on traffic management at
the Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 race this November in Phoenix.
The Unilight(TM) Trailblazer will be deployed for the first time at
Phoenix International Raceway's NASCAR weekend event on Nov. 6 -7, in an
effort to manage the traffic generated by the event's estimated 200,000
spectators. "Standard traffic lights haven't really changed since the early
1900s when they were first invented. We're debuting a new generation of
remote-controlled traffic lights that are brighter, lighter and far less
expensive to operate and maintain," said TTI President William Gartner, whose
company developed and manufactured the Unilight(R) Trailblazer signals for the
Arizona Dept. of Transportation (ADOT).
The Unilight Trailblazer signal is a portable, battery-operated traffic
light that was designed for traffic management at large events. The signal
can be operated with remote control technology using a device similar to a
household TV remote. Traffic controllers, wearing headsets that allow them to
communicate with other operators, can adjust the traffic signal
instantaneously with the click of a button. All of this can be accomplished
while safely standing to the side of the intersection, up to 100 feet from the
signal, well out of harm's way.
"The new Trailblazer is a very innovative design," said John Hauskins,
District Engineer with ADOT's Intermodal Transportation Division. "Our
biggest concern with the NASCAR race weekend is getting people to the parking
lots on time. The fact that this traffic control system allows operators to
make instantaneous changes with a remote is a very significant benefit and we
don't know of any other system like this that exists today. These new
Trailblazer traffic signals are one of many improvements that we have
developed to help with traffic at this event."
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in a single housing unit, versus the standard
triple-section housing found in most traffic signals, provide the light for
the Trailblazer lights. "It was a bold step to alter traditional traffic
light design," said Gartner. "With today's technology, however, one light is
far more efficient than three separate lights. It's also much cheaper to
operate. Over the life of a signal, the user may save thousands of dollars in
maintenance and electricity costs."
The Trailblazer's LEDs produce the following universal symbols, all of
which may be programmed to flash:
-- Stop - a red octagon with a white perimeter;
-- Caution - an inverted amber triangle;
-- Go - three-way green arrows that can either point straight ahead;
a right turn; or a left turn.
The Unilight Trailblazer offers significant cost savings as a result of
its innovative design. LEDs last five times longer than the standard
incandescent bulbs now used in signals. The Unilight traffic signals can be
powered by standard line voltage, batteries, or even solar, reducing energy
consumption and operating costs by 80 to 90 percent. Additionally, the
single-lens housing weighs 70 percent less and has a much smaller wind surface
which translates into less expensive support poles.
According to Robin Braig, executive vice president and general manager of
Phoenix International Raceway, "We are appreciative of the collaborative
efforts of ADOT and TTI. The Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 Race is such an
exciting event, and the Unilight Trailblazer lights only add to the list of
many improvements to our traffic plan."
Background
Traffic Technology Inc., TTI, is a privately held Scottsdale company
founded in 1996 to develop and market a safer, technologically advanced
traffic signal. The Unilight(TM) series of products by Traffic Technology
Inc. includes the Trailblazer, Intersection Control signals, Emergency Signals
which are battery operated, solar rechargeable and fit in the trunk of a
police car, and Lane Control Signals for toll booths, ramp metering, and the
like. Several states' Departments of Transportation and numerous
international companies are evaluating and planning deployment of Unilight
signals for varied purposes, from lighting intersections, to mine and
warehouse traffic control, to toll bridge lane control and freeway ramp
metering. All of the products in the Unilight series feature a single lens in
one housing unit versus the standard triple-section traffic signal. The
Unilight is patented and has additional U.S. and foreign patents pending.
TTI's Unilight technology is demonstrated on the company's website at
http://www.unilights.com.