The Green Light Plan - CSRS

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT
The engagement of the local
business community with the
Green Light Plan was, and still
is, an important goal of Mayor
Kip Holden’s Administration.
At the current time, ninetytwo
(92) firms have provided
services to the Green Light
Plan.
PROGRAM
MANAGEMENT
CSRS, Inc.
PBS&J
GOTECH
Neel-Schaffer
Compliance Consultants
Jones-Walker
John C. Doiron, MAI
Rampart Resources
SSA Consultants
DESIGN
CONSULTANTS
ABMB Engineers, Inc.
AECOM
AFJM
Buchart Horn, Inc.
Burk-Klienpeter, Inc.
Civil Design & Construction
Evans-Graves Engineers
Ferris Engineering
Forte & Tablada, Inc.
GEC, Inc.
HNTB Corporation
Justice & Huang Engineers
Marrero & Couvillon Assoc.
PEC Corporation
Providence Engineering
Pyburn & Odom, Inc.
Shaw Environmental
Shread-Kuyrkendall
SIGMA Consulting Group
SJB Group, Inc.
TRC Engineers, Inc.
URS Corporation
CONSTRUCTION
FIRMS
Ernest P. Breaux Electrical
Industrial Enterprises, Inc.
Barber Brothers Contracting
J. B. James Construction
Hardrock Construction, LLC
L & A Contracting Company
Stranco, Inc.
James Construction Group
Byron E. Talbot Contractor
Boone Services, Inc.
F.G. Sullivan, Jr. Contractor
RCS Contractors, Inc.
Gilchrist Construction Co.
Richard Price Contracting
GETTING TO THE
GREEN
LIGHT
Since the first project broke ground in the fall of 2007, the Green Light Plan has been a hub of
activity – and that is evident on the 26 completed projects
motorists utilize on a daily basis all
around town. But did you realize the important role intersection improvements and signalization
upgrades play in many of these projects?
To date, our crews have made significant progress to improve traffic signalization at 59
intersections throughout the parish. These traffic signal upgrades, when combined with the
roadway improvements outlined in specific project plans, serve as critical elements to the Green
Light Plan and help ensure efficient and safe navigation for motorists traveling through these key
intersections.
The process of modernizing these traffic signals involves upgrading all facets of traffic signal
equipment to today’s technology. In many cases, former strain pole designs have been modified
to feature the more aesthetically pleasing mast arm design. In addition to the visually appealing
design, the mast arm design also requires fewer poles in the ground, which reduces maintenance
costs over time and potential obstructions to motorists.
Another key upgrade to traffic signals – perhaps one that may be less noticeable to the public, yet
makes a significant contribution to the intersection’s efficiency – involves the conversion to video
detection. Less modern signals rely on loop detectors or wires in the pavement to identify vehicles
at an intersection, while video detection relies on cameras mounted on the mast arms in order to
identify vehicles approaching the intersection. This video detection technology allows the signals
to change based upon whether or not vehicles are present on specific legs of the intersection,
providing maximum “green light” time to the leg of the intersection that has the heaviest volume
of traffic.
Finally, one of the most important upgrades to traffic signals included in the Green Light Plan is
the “emergency pre-emption of signal timing”. These major upgrades can have a life-saving effect
through detection of approaching emergency vehicles with active emergency lights and sirens
and automatically changing the traffic signal to expedite the vehicle’s passage through the
intersection.
These traffic signal upgrades being performed as part of the Green Light Plan provide much
needed safety and efficiency upgrades to existing signals. Why are they so critical? Modern
equipment is generally more aesthetically pleasing, has greater visibility, and requires less
maintenance (and cost) over time.
When we say something involves the Green Light Plan process “in action”, we place a strong
emphasis on the word “action”. With that said, the next time you drive through a Green Light Plan
intersection, think about the action taking place all around you and across East Baton Rouge
Parish – and know that it is a direct result of intersection and signalization upgrades included in
and critical to the success of the Green Light Plan.
Visit the Green Light Plan website for more detailed information about each project, www.brgov.com/greenlight.