The Watchdog | Traffic signal adapts, so drivers also must adapt

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The problem

Scott Bolen of Overland Park asks why the east-west light is sometimes only five seconds or so at the intersection of Lackman Road and College Boulevard.

He says drivers of backed-up cars stomp their accelerators to get through.

The answer

Steve Schooley, Lenexa’s transportation manager, says that signal is part of a new adaptive signal system that does not use fixed cycles.

It communicates and coordinates with other traffic signals and may sometimes just allow a few cars to pass — even when more cars are waiting.

The signal will later provide more time when it normally cycles around to serve that direction again, he said.

Although the approach is somewhat different from what people are used to, it is far more efficient and reduces waiting times overall, Schooley said. The Web site for the system the city uses claims it can reduce stops by 90 percent.

The Watchdog does not understand why anyone would want to reduce stops by 90 percent. Aren’t the stops, and associated sniffs, the best part of a morning walk?

Do you have a comment or question about a public issue? Write to The Watchdog, The Kansas City Star, Newsroom, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, or send e-mail to watchdog@kcstar.com. Include your name, telephone number and city of residence.

Posted on Sat, Nov. 07, 2009 10:15 PM

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