Thursday, January 3, 2013
The newer LED lights are the choice for highway planners, but the challenge remains to make sure snow doesn't stick to them
After the Dec. 20 snowfall, many of the traffic lights were left with snow packed to the lenses, which is an ongoing problem for the Waukesha County Highway Department. It's also hazardous to motorists, and a few of you took the time to point that out to Muskego Patch. Gary Evans, head engineer with the highway department, told us that they continue to work with various 'fixes' for the hundreds of such lights throughout the county, but "at this point we're not sure what the state of the art is" to create the perfect solution. While he admitted the 'face' of the lights is cooler than their incandescent predecessors, he said it's false to thing they don't emit heat. "LED lights do generate heat, but the science places the heat toward the …
Friday, December 28, 2012
New choices in traffic signals bring energy efficiency, but have a major flaw; in the meantime, we'll have to wait to hear what if anything can be done, and what we can expect with the new lights to be installed on Janesville Road.
They look the same as their older, incandescent counterparts, but the recent snowstorm has revealed a major flaw in Muskego's stoplights, which are LED. The lower-energy lights emit less heat, and therefore don't melt snow that packs onto the lenses, leaving the intersections basically blind. It's not a problem unique to Muskego, but it got noticed by some of you. Several readers raised the issue on Friday and Saturday, noting that the Martin Drive and Janesville Road intersection, as well as the Moorland Road and Janesville Road lights were affected. By Saturday, we spotted a Muskego Police officer wielding a 15-foot pole at the intersection of Tess Corners Drive and Janesville Road, attempting to knock the white stuff off of the lights…
Friday, August 19, 2011
Surface of intersection is now complete, and pedestrian walkways marked; other pieces yet to fall into place.
Construction began at the intersection of Woods Road and Racine Avenue on July 11, with the projected completion date of August 19 given. A drive through of the intersection on August 19 shows that the intended widening has meant dedicated lanes for right and left turns, as well as through lanes, are now marked. In addition, pedestrians will be able to use push-buttons for walk signals, and have marked lanes to cross the road. This was a key component in the plan, especially given the proximity of Muskego High School and concerns over students walking to school. However, permanent traffic lights are still awaiting installation, and the cross-walk signs have not been set up yet. Mike Grulke, engineer with Waukesha County Department of …
Muskegotom
10:00 am on Thursday, January 3, 2013
I was in an accident 4 years ago on 164 as a result of these lights. Two cars went throught the red light and totalled my car. Another example of our government not thinking past it's nose. more ›