Regular readers of this newsletter may recall an article in last year’s November/December issue entitled “New traffic signals for Beaumont-Wilshire arteries” about two BWNA-advocated projects approved, funded, and in the process of being implemented last winter by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). One project involved a safety-enhanced modernization of the decades-old signal system adjacent to Beaumont Middle School on the corner of N.E. 42nd/41st Ave. and Fremont St.—the other project, just down the street, a much-needed left-turn signal system to relieve congestion at the corner of Fremont and 33rd. By early 2017, the new signal system at 42nd/41st and Fremont was fully operational and completion of the project at 33rd and Fremont seemed not far behind—signals already mounted in place, albeit covered in sheaves. As winter turned to spring, spring to early summer, and early summer to midsummer, however, the status of the new signals remained unchanged—still sheaved and not functioning. It was an enigma for neighbors and motorists alike, begging the obvious question: why so long—now over half a year—to activate mounted signals? Flick the switch, already!
Enter BWNA President Tim Hemstreet into the picture, who sought to solve the enigma by going to the controversy’s source—PBOT. In reply to Tim’s e-mail, PBOT Communications Director John Brady offered the following (partial) explanation:
…We’ve been slow to turn on the signal because we were waiting to install the vehicle detection system in the turn lanes. This system tells the signal that there are cars waiting to turn. It looks like the installation of this system will be delayed some more.
OK, but why such a lengthy delay? Upon further inquiry, Mr. Brady elaborated:
In terms of the delay in the installation of the loop detector, there are two main reasons…One is the cold and rainy winter we had. To install the detection system, the pavement has to be dry. Given the winter we had and also the rainy spring, there were very few windows to install the detection system in the winter and spring. Secondly, the installation schedule is dependent on the contractor’s availability to do the work. The initial weather-driven delay in the winter and spring pushed the work into the busy summer construction season, and we’ve had difficulty scheduling the work. We’ll install the loop detection system at a later date.
Let’s review: The exceptionally rainy weather delayed the project for months, which eventually made it impossible to fit the installation job into a busy contractor’s schedule during the first three months of summer. Buy that? Enigmas die hard.
BWNA’s inquiry motivated PBOT to organize a Beaumont-Wilshire/Alameda neighborhood ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 17th to activate the signals—minus the vehicle detection system (to be installed at “a later date”). Again quoting Brady: “From our standpoint, we’d like to get it as soon as possible.” Amen to that.