Work begins Tuesday to alleviate traffic during peak times
Julie Happy, 509.625.7773, jhappy@spokanecity.org
Monday, April 6, 2015 at 9:35 a.m.
The City begins work Tuesday morning to revise signal operations at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Maple Street. Changing the eastbound and westbound signal phases to operate independently is intended to mitigate traffic concerns.
Currently, the eastbound and westbound signal phases operate simultaneously. During peak afternoon/evening hours, this can cause some traffic backup due to ‘heavy’ eastbound right turns and westbound left turns. Occasionally, this results in traffic on the westbound off ramp at Maple and Walnut to back up onto Interstate 90. Moving forward, the signal phases will be operated independently at all times to address this issue.
Starting Tuesday, crews will place the signal in flash while they change out the existing overhead three-section signal heads to four-section signal heads. During a ‘green phase,’ a green ball and green arrow will be illuminated so motorists know they no longer have to yield to oncoming traffic when turning. The City will also post ‘Signal Revision Ahead’ signs for 30 days.
Work is expected to be completed during the day Tuesday.
