New high tech walk signals coming to downtown

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- New high tech traffic signals are being installed in downtown Houston with the hope of preventing pedestrian accidents along METRO's light rail route.

METRO recently began upgrades to traffic signals along the light rail route. This includes replacing 480 pedestrian traffic signals with new countdown pedestrian signals, and the pedestrian push buttons with new ones that flash a red light and beep to acknowledge the request for a walk phase.

"People can make a better decision about crossing the street if they know how much time they have," said Walter Langford III, METRO senior project manager of traffic signal projects. "The countdown time depends on the width of the street and the traffic signal timings."

Along the rail system the pedestrians must push the push buttons to receive a walk light, otherwise the traffic signal will provide the walk time to the traffic.

The upgraded signals will last longer and provide more reliability  reducing maintenance costs.

"The new buttons are more resistant to vandalism," said Langford. "They are designed so that they can't be jammed; they are resistant to fire and ice, and can withstand severe impacts from baseball bats and hammers."

METRO hopes that this will help the general public make a more responsible choice when crossing the streets and reduce the number of accidents and pedestrian fatalities.

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