New Summit Pkwy Traffic Signal Operational

Signal will allow for easier access through Kendall Yards

Julie Happy, 509.625.7773, jhappy@spokanecity.org

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 9:23 a.m.

Starting Thursday morning, the new traffic signal at the intersection of Summit Parkway and Monroe Street will be fully operational.

This week, crews initiated flash operations at the intersection, and full stop-and-go operations are expected to begin around 10:30 a.m. Thursday. While the new traffic signal will be fully operational, the east leg of Summit Parkway/Bridge Avenue will remain closed due to ongoing construction on a Combined Sewer Overflow Tank (CSO). The west leg of Summit Parkway approaching the intersection will be open to traffic, however.

The new signal will allow for easier, safer access in this area for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The signal will include pedestrian count-down timers and detectors that are sensitive enough to recognize when people on bikes or motorcycles want to cross.

Project features:

  • Pedestrian count-down timers
  • Pedestrian and vehicle detection on all approaches
  • Vehicle detection has been designed to allow for detection of motorcycles/bicycles
  • The signal controller cabinet includes an uninterrupted power source (UPS) that will automatically allow the signal to operate continuously for several hours in the case of a power outage
  • Cobra head street lights attached to signal poles are LED
  • The signal will have the ability (wiring will be in place) to accommodate protected left turns in the future, when needed, for both eastbound and westbound traffic on Summit turning onto Monroe.
  • Northbound and southbound left turns will have a ‘protected-permissive’ phase using flashing yellow arrows
  • The protected left turn phases have the capability to operate by time of day
  • Provisions (wiring and signing) for future blank-out signs prohibiting left-turns by time of day will be provided