New Signal System Targets Larkfield Traffic

This post was written by Pam Robinson.

A new system of traffic signals designed to improve traffic flow on Larkfield Road is now operating, Huntington officials announced Monday. 

The $1.8-million project involves 11 town-operated signals on the congested road and depends on detection equipment and cameras to live-alert signals to changes needed to accommodate traffic as it builds up or clears an area.

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said, "This is a major upgrade to a major town road, with improvements that bring traffic control on Larkfield Road into the 21st Century and reduce frustration and travel time."

In addition to adjusting to traffic flow, the project includes wireless connect and emergency vehicle pre-emption capabilities, energy-efficent LED traffic signal indications and LED pedestrian indications with countdown timers. It also brought pedestrian crosswalks and handicap ramps into compliance with standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the town said.

Petrone said that a study done several years ago found that roughly 27,000 cars a day use the road, and that congestion had slowed traffic to an average speed between Jericho Turnpike to Fifth Avenue was slightly more than 18 MPH.

The speed limit between Jericho and Clay Pitts Road is 40 MPH; between Clay Pitts and Pulaski, it is 30 MPH.  

Because of the computerized system, which keeps Larkfield Road lights green for drivers traveling the speed limit,  if no traffic is waiting to enter the road, "a car could theoretically go from Jericho to Pulaski without experiencing a single red light," Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said."This project benefits motorists, pedestrians and residents."

Officials demonstrated the tools used to track traffic patterns, showing a feed of vehicles in straightaway and turn lanes. They said while data would be collected on traffic patterns, images of vehicles traveling on the road would not.

Petrone said the federal government provided 80 percent of the funding, with a state grant covered another 15 percent, and the town supplying the rest.

"These improvements will reduce the time cars asre stopped at red lights, which means that emiisions will be reduced, improving air quality," Councilwoman Susan Berland said. "And, pedestrians will be able to cross Larkfield more safely with the new countdown signals. The project benefits motorists, pedestrians and residents."

Officials noted that most the cameras on Larkfield weren't designed to catch speeders or red-light violators. 

Councilman Gene Cook, who didn't participate in Monday's press conference, said the project will "not only reduce delays and congestion but more importantly improve vehicle and pedestrian safety with the addition of crosswalk countdown timers."