Politics & Government
When Will Traffic Signal Be Replaced at 12 Mile & Rochester?
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Patch reader Kara writes: "Have you heard anything about when the light will be rehung at 12 Mile and Rochester roads?"
To answer Kara's question, Patch called Royal Oak City Engineer Matt Callahan.
Callahan has received estimates to install traffic signals and the city will most likely sign a contract today, he said. It will probably be three or four more days until the traffic signal system is installed.
Calllahan explained it isn't an easy job. The city no longer has a full-time City Electrician, so there is not the ability to handle anything as major as signal heads that come crashing to the ground. Everything must be contracted out, he said.
"There was nothing salvageable," Callahan said of the Sept. 26 incident, which also took out the light pole at the northeast corner of the intersection in front of the CVS pharmacy.
Royal Oak police reported a truck bumped the pole and that rust might have also been a factor.
DTE Engery has put up all new poles at the intersection, Callahan said.
"They didn't like the looks of them," he said. "They were 60 years old."
Used signal heads will arrive next week, which will be replaced by brand new fixtures next month. New signals take four weeks to get, Callahan said.
The installation will require all the wiring to be redone before everything can be put back, Callahan said. The cost, including adding new countdown pedestrian signals, is nearly $20,000.
Unfortunately, the city cannot afford to replace anything until it's absolutely necessary, Callahan said.
"We do the best we can to apply for grants when they are available."
In the meantime, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop until the signals are reinstalled. Patch readers report the intersection is a safety concern. Royal Oak police advise drivers to seek alternate routes.
To answer Kara's question, Patch called Royal Oak City Engineer Matt Callahan.
Callahan has received estimates to install traffic signals and the city will most likely sign a contract today, he said. It will probably be three or four more days until the traffic signal system is installed.
Calllahan explained it isn't an easy job. The city no longer has a full-time City Electrician, so there is not the ability to handle anything as major as signal heads that come crashing to the ground. Everything must be contracted out, he said.
"There was nothing salvageable," Callahan said of the Sept. 26 incident, which also took out the light pole at the northeast corner of the intersection in front of the CVS pharmacy.
Royal Oak police reported a truck bumped the pole and that rust might have also been a factor.
DTE Engery has put up all new poles at the intersection, Callahan said.
"They didn't like the looks of them," he said. "They were 60 years old."
Used signal heads will arrive next week, which will be replaced by brand new fixtures next month. New signals take four weeks to get, Callahan said.
The installation will require all the wiring to be redone before everything can be put back, Callahan said. The cost, including adding new countdown pedestrian signals, is nearly $20,000.
Unfortunately, the city cannot afford to replace anything until it's absolutely necessary, Callahan said.
"We do the best we can to apply for grants when they are available."
In the meantime, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop until the signals are reinstalled. Patch readers report the intersection is a safety concern. Royal Oak police advise drivers to seek alternate routes.
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