Sparta Officials Working Through Timing Issues With Siren-Activated Traffic Lights

Sparta officials working through hiccups with the city’s new siren-activated traffic lights.

Programmer Tommy Johnson said the system will hold the emergency vehicle’s lane to green, so drivers have time and room to yield. Johnson said at the same time, opposing lanes will lock to a red light. However, there have been some issues with the timing when there are multiple emergency responders from multiple directions.

“It’s the frequency of the siren that it picks up,” Johnson said. “And it’s a matter of what part of the siren that it gets. That’s what the traffic light picks up.”

Johnson said the lights have only been in use for about one month and have worked well otherwise. He said in the future they are looking at ways to make sure the lights are working to be their most efficient.

There are approximately 10 intersections along Sparta’s Bockman Way that feature the lights. Fire Chief Kirk Young said over the past month they have proven to be useful to first responders.

“The citizens need to be aware of it and need to be aware of their surroundings and watch out when they hear emergency sirens in their area, be cautious,” Young said. “Because one day it might be one of their loved ones that we’re trying to get to.”