“We were appointed as a service provider to conduct a traffic signal investigation in terms of the National Roads Traffic Act, the National Road Traffic Regulation and the South African Road Traffic Systems Manual for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for a period of two years. WSP was also appointed to conduct an investigation into the sustainability and energy efficiency of traffic signal installations within the EMM,” elaborates Rod Strong of WSP Systems.
The intention is to enhance the general traffic flow, traffic safety and traffic management and control in the EMM. To this end, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has contracted WSP Systems to deliver the following:
- an investigation into whether new traffic signals are warranted at specific intersections
- a review of existing traffic signals at specific intersections
- an investigation into improved timing plans and traffic control at specific intersections
- an investigation into the coordination between various traffic signal installations
- an investigation into the removal of the LTORAS configuration at specific intersections
- conducting of localised traffic counts on links and at intersections to determine the level of congestion experienced
- an investigation into the need for pedestrian and cyclist facilities at traffic signals at specific intersections
- the investigation into the need for prioritised systems in traffic signal installations
- a strategy based on a feasibility study for sustainability and energy efficiency with respect to traffic signals. This will include a comparison between the energy efficiency of an existing traffic signal installation using halogen lights and an installation using LED lights. These will also be compared to existing installations using incandescent lights. A comparison will also be conducted between the feasibility of the various energy sources available for traffic signals, namely electricity, battery-powered back-up installations, solar-powered installations and/or a combination of these.
The ultimate objective, according to Strong, is to obtain the best possible level of service for the identified intersections, the minimum delays at these intersections and to be fully compliant with regulations and legislation.
WSP Systems was appointed at the end of November 2008 with completion envisaged for November 2010.