Beginning today, March 28, the traffic signal at the intersection of 228th Street Southwest and 44th Avenue West will be set to four-way flashing red from 1-5 a.m. instead of the usual red, yellow or green light. This means that motorists must come to a complete stop, the same as at a stop sign, then yield to traffic as if it were a four-way stop.
The City of Mountlake Terrace says this temporary traffic signal adjustment is necessary because deteriorated pavement at the intersection caused some of the vehicle detection loops to break and fail. These loops are now beyond repair. The failed loops leave motorists waiting at a red light when there are no cars approaching the green light. This is most evident in the early morning hours when there is little traffic.
The in-pavement loop detection system will be replaced with a new video detection system provided by cameras mounted on the mast arms above the street. The new system will be installed and operating by the end of July 2012. At that time the signal will be placed back into normal operation and no longer have the flashing red during early morning hours.
More information is available by calling Traffic Engineer Janet Hall at 425-744-6275.
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