News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville hoping for new T-DOT money to help modernize traffic signals along South Jefferson Avenue and a more coordinated traffic flow from Interstate Drive to Bunker Hill Road.
Community Development Director Jon Ward said the stoplights at the intersections are currently connected through copper loops. The new system would allow the area to be monitored through a fiber-optic connection with 360-degree cameras and cabinet controllers, providing for more accurate controlling of traffic.
“We think this is a very good opportunity for the city to try to modernize the traffic controller equipment on one of our busiest stretches of street within the city limits,” Ward said. “It would help us gather some critical data that we can hope to use for future signalization optimization plans.”
The intersections covered include Interstate Drive, South Walnut Street, the I-40 intersections, and Bunker Hill. Ward said these spots have been congested for years due to the spacing of the signals.
Ward said the project would cost some $132,000, some $7,000 higher than the maximum grant award amount.
“Public Works had indicated that they had some extra controllers on hand that could bring that cost down if necessary,” Ward said.
He said the new fiber connection and the five Miovision cameras will detect when cars are stopped at lights, and create a smoother flow.
Ward said the cameras track detailed data to supply the city with constant updates on traffic in areas where installed. The cameras track the exact number of cars, trucks, and bikes that have traveled through their view and identify the peak traffic hours throughout the day.
The TDOT Traffic Signal Modernization Program Grant is completely state-funded. City Council approved a grant application Thursday night.
