Downtown traffic lights now three-phase system
State transportation crews have completed the phasing changes on the traffic signals in downtown Aiken and are expected to return today to begin timing the lights to move traffic from one side of town to the other with few delays.
The changes made Tuesday will allow eastbound and westbound traffic to run simultaneously under what is being called a three-phase system on Park and Richland avenues.
Although DOT officials have initially only planned to make the changes to Richland Avenue, upon further review, transportation officials decided the upgrades should also be made to Park Avenue, said City Manager Roger LeDuc.
Phase one of the three-phase system in place on Park and Richland avenues goes as follows: Eastbound and westbound traffic on both main arteries will run simultaneously while northbound and southbound traffic have a red light. Eastbound and westbound vehicles turning left will have to yield to oncoming traffic to make the left turn on a green light. Eastbound and westbound vehicles turning left will also have the right-of-way for anywhere from five to 10 additional seconds to clear the intersection before the next phase begins.
During the second phase, northbound traffic will be allowed to move while southbound traffic is held. Northbound and southbound traffic will not travel at the same time.
During the third phase, southbound traffic will be given the green light.
As a result, intersections should clear faster, said LeDuc earlier this week.
State transportation officials said the side street operations will have the new safety features that allow left-turning motorists to continue through the intersection without stopping in the median.
Motorists have been optimistic about the left-turning upgrades on side streets, and DOT officials said it is much safer for motorists.
"This should provide a balance between improved safety and minimizing the congestion as much as possible," according to a DOT press release.
State crews began the Tuesday upgrades around 12:30 p.m. and completed the signaling work shortly before 7 p.m.
Aiken Public Safety Director Pete Frommer said DOT crews monitored the upgrades and feel the traffic is moving better under the three-phase system.
The "progression" should be modified today, said Frommer.
The progression of the signals refers to the timing of the lights to clear cars through all of the upgraded intersections. Once the progression of the signals is complete, cars should be able to move from York Street to Pendleton Street on Richland Avenue or Park Avenue with few stops.
Residents have said they have witnessed a number of crashes and fender benders in Aiken while the work has been under way.
On Tuesday, a motorists parked on Laurens Street backed into congested traffic waiting at the traffic light at the intersection of Laurens Street and Richland Avenue.
Traffic was backed up at least as far as the Stoplight Deli when the crash occurred.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.