Anybody know what those doohickies are that are hanging from underneath the traffic lights at the intersection of Illinois Ave. and Robertsville Rd.? One light in each direction has one, for a total of 4. As I travelled around O.R. today, that was the only intersection where I saw them.
OHMYGOSH.... Could it be a test run of those infernal red-light cameras? Better avoid that intersection Jacket, just in case...LOL
Those aren't red-light cameras.
I think that intersection is the site of an experiment (in cooperation with ORNL) on using sensors to make traffic signals work smarter. I heard about this project in a very brief conversation with another city official.
If I heard the story correctly, the idea is that when the sensor detects a vehicle (particularly a large truck) getting close to the intersection when the light is about to turn red, the light can be instructed to stay green a little while longer so the vehicle will be able to go through before the light changes. Ideally, this could reduce red-light violations (by reducing the number of vehicles that encounter a light change just as they are approaching the intersection) and save energy (by reducing idling).
The first couple of posts got my curiosity, so I took my camera along when I went to the grocery a few minutes ago, and stopped to see the "doohickies." There's a picture (as an attachment).
They don't look like cameras, so Ellen's explanation seems the most rational. That said, I'd hate to see the lights rigged to allow the lights to favor "passing through" traffic over local traffic, as seems likely at that particular intersection.
Remember that this is an experiment (a research project), not necessarily a permanent installation. It's reasonable to hope that the experiment will provide data that could be useful in improving safety at that intersection.
Family was at Turkey Creek yesterday doing our weekend shopping. As we left the area where the small shops were we were half way through the intersection on a yellow arrow making a left hand turn and the arrow turned red. Curious to see if a ticket comes. If we would have stopped we would have been stuck in the intersection. I looked up and saw that contraption on the lights.
NM: Thanks for the pic. I didn't know how to describe it
I've e-mailed Jack Suggs at the CORED and asked what they are. Ellen's explanation seems plausible. I thought they might be those sensors that allow emergency vehicles to change all the lights to red so they can go thru the intersection more easily.
Theoretically, you're only supposed to get a ticket if the light is red when you actually enter the intersection. Occasionally one can enter the intersection on a green, then everyone ahead stops and you're stuck there... through the yellow, and into the red (until someone ahead moves).
Fortunately, that sort of thing is a rarity in Oak Ridge. Except maybe for that stupid light in front of Food Lion -- the only intersection in town that actually gridlocks.
...Except maybe for that stupid light in front of Food Lion -- the only intersection in town that actually gridlocks.
I think you're talking about the annoying light in front of Food City. 
From what i have read it seems that traffic control is a problem. My thinking is this: red means stop, green means proceed, yellow means caution prepare to stop. Pretty darn simple ,, whats the problem? People are the problem, go figure.