The Amarillo City Council has recently approved the purchase of new traffic signal and school zone improvements, marking a significant step toward enhancing traffic safety in the city. This purchase is part of the Traffic Signal System Improvements Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project, designed to upgrade critical traffic management infrastructure.
The upgrades will focus on replacing outdated traffic management software, controllers, cabinets, and school zone flasher controllers at all city-maintained school zones. The new system aims to streamline the management of school zone traffic signals and improve the overall efficiency of traffic flow during school hours.
Alan Harder, the Public Works Director for the City of Amarillo, emphasized the convenience and efficiency of the new system, explaining that the upgrades will enable city officials to make adjustments to school zone flashers remotely. "Anytime we need to update either the times that school zone flashers are working or what days of the week they will be working, we are able to do that from one location instead of having to go out in the field and program those school zone controllers individually," Harder said. This change will not only save time but will also ensure that the city can make adjustments quickly and effectively.
Despite the substantial upgrades, Amarillo residents will not notice any major physical changes to the school zone locations themselves. The focus of the project is on improving the behind-the-scenes technology that controls the flashers, making it easier to update or repair them as needed. The new system will provide more efficient monitoring and control over school zone flashers, ultimately improving safety for both students and drivers.
Recently, four new school zone controllers were installed at Tascosa High School and Windsor Elementary School as part of the ongoing improvements. City officials have plans to have all school zone flashers updated with the new system within the next couple of months, ensuring that all changes are in place before the next school year begins.
