Traffic Engineers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Highways installed a new LED (light emitting diode) warning lights at the intersection of U.S. 60 and KY 109 in Sullivan last Friday morning.
"These new LED enhanced signs have recently been approved in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the federal standard for traffic signs and signals. We've used one to improve safety at a mid-block pedestrian crossing in Owensboro. We're very pleased with the results at that location. This site in Sullivan appears to be an ideal location for this type of LED enhanced sign," Potts said.
The new solar powered LED lighted signs on KY 109 are designed to increase driver awareness of the approaching intersection and stop sign. The installation is the result of a traffic safety field review at the site on October 18th. The Department of Highways traffic safety analysis indicated that there were six police reported accidents at the intersection over four years. All of the accidents involved vehicles failing to stop on the KY 109 approach.
"Our evaluation of the intersection found that all of the accidents occurred after dark. That observation played an important role in our recommendations for adding the new LED signs and additional lighting," Potts said.
A new streetlight and rumble strips were installed on KY 109 at the stop sign approach immediately after the evaluation. Getting the LED signs installed took longer because they had to be put out for bid and custom made.
"We're installing an LED enhanced 'Stop Ahead' sign in advance of the intersection. We are also installing an LED enhanced 'Stop' sign at the intersection. These lighted signs are a new addition to our approved signage. They are designed to really grab your attention," Potts said.
According to Potts, the new signs are solar powered reducing electric costs. They also automatically adjust brightness for better day or --ighttime visibility. Potts says until they get into widespread use he expects their unusual look to get the attention of motorists as they approach the intersection.
The request for a field safety review followed a fatal accident at the U.S. 60 KY 109 intersection in Sullivan on October 6th. Potts expects installation of the signs and lights to take about two hours. About 4800 vehicles per day travel through the U.S. 60-KY 109 intersection at Sullivan.
