Traffic Signal Maintenance

The traffic signal section consists of a field supervisor, three traffic signal technicians, and one maintenance person to help with yearly relamp of all signals and other maintenance. Each traffic signal controller is tested and cleaned during the yearly preventive maintenance cycle. During the winter months, the signal maintenance crews are kept busy repairing storm damage and keeping the signal system operating. Ensuring all lamps are replaced as needed and the interior illuminated signs are clean and operational.

The City of Salem Traffic Signals section currently maintains 250 signalized intersections. This includes signals for the City of Keizer, Marion County, and some State signals. We also maintain other devices, flashers, interior illuminated signs, and 195 school flashers. The signal shop does some limited maintenance on street lights and alley lights.

Emergency phone numbers for 24-hour dispatch to report any problem with signals or other streets-related problem is 503-588-6333. Report a Signal problem. To report a street light out Lightout@pgn.com.

Planned or current projects that are underway include:

School crossing flashers for Hallman Elementary.
Sunnyside Road SE and Mildred Lane SE: New signal Winter 2008/2009.
Commercial Street SE and Wiltsey Road SE: New signal, Spring 2008.
Rosemont Avenue NW and Edgewater Street NW: Signal upgrade, Fall 2008.
Market Street NE and Broadway Street NE: Signal upgrade.
Macleay Road SE and Cordon Rad SE: New signal, Spring 2008.
Sunnyview Road NE and 45th Avenue NE: New signal, Summer 2008.
River Road S and Croisan Creek S: New signal, Fall 2008.
Center Street NE and northbound Front Street NE ramp signal: New signal, Winter 2008.
Center Street NE and 17th Street NE: Signal replacement, Fall 2008.

For more information on current projects, contact Kevin Hottmann, City Traffic Engineer, at khottmann@cityofsalem.net.

City of Salem's QuicNet/4 Computerized Traffic Signal System

Bi Trans Systems, Inc. QuicNet/4 is a powerful, state of the art, distributed, networked, graphical-based, traffic control system. QuicNet/4 uses readily available computer components to provide a flexible and expandable platform to meet today's as well as tomorrow's traffic demands. The core of QuicNet/4 is a personal computer communications server that is connected via a Local Area Network (LAN) to one or more user workstations. The central communications server communicates with field (Signal) controllers through directly connected cables, wireless radio, or phone lines.

QuicNet/4 uses the power of distributed computers to provide robust traffic control, database management, and system surveillance capabilities for a large number of intersections using simple, inexpensive hardware. QuicNet/4 provides the Traffic Engineer with a very effective tool that is easy to operate and maintain.

The City of Salem currently has 227 signalized intersections directly connected to QuicNet/4 system.

Video Cameras:

What they do and don't do:

Do's

Detect the presence of a vehicle to control the traffic signal.
Count vehicles entering or leaving the intersection.

Don'ts

Detect red light runners.
Monitor for traffic accidents.
Monitor for Speed violators.
Videotape traffic* (VCR placed in locations to check for proper operation of video equipment).