Traffic Signals
Burlington's Computerized Traffic Signal System
The majority of Burlington's 119 signalized intersections are controlled from City Hall by a computerized traffic control system providing staff the ability to monitor, co-ordinate, and communicate with the traffic signals. Benefits of a computerized traffic control system include a reduction in the number of overall stops, savings in overall travel time, savings in fuel consumption, less vehicle emissions and reduction of rear end collisions.
Analyses done to estimate yearly fuel savings show that motorists are saving over $750,000 a year on fuel alone with the signal system in operation.
LED Traffic and Pedestrian Signals
The City of Burlington has installed long lasting, energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) traffic and/or pedestrian signals at all City owned signalized intersections (Media release). LEDs produce highly visible light under all driving conditions and consume 80-90% less energy than incandescent signals, reducing equivalent CO2 emissions. While LEDs are still more expensive to buy than incandescent lights, they use only about nine to 25 watts, compared with 60 to 150 watts for incandescents. Since traffic signals operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the opportunity for savings is large. Maintenance costs are also reduced because LEDs generally last five to eight years, compared to just one or two years for incandescent light signals.