Motorists can expect temporary traffic delays on Wednesday, June 24, as the Town of Amherst installs a new smart traffic signal system at the intersection of Robert Angus Drive and South Albion Street.
Work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with traffic control personnel on site to help manage vehicle flow while equipment is installed. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution when travelling through the area.
This $55,000 capital project will replace aging traffic signal technology that has served the intersection for nearly three decades. The current system relies on underground sensors and pre-programmed timing, while the new smart system uses advanced camera and radar technology to monitor traffic conditions in real time and automatically adjust signal timing to improve traffic flow.
The technology continuously analyzes vehicle movements and queue lengths, allowing the traffic lights to respond to actual traffic conditions rather than fixed timing schedules. This is expected to reduce delays, particularly for drivers turning left from Robert Angus Drive and Industrial Park Drive – an area that has generated frequent complaints from motorists over the years.
The new system will also provide valuable traffic data to help inform future planning and improvements while offering enhanced monitoring capabilities for traffic operations.
"This upgrade is about making traffic move more efficiently and safely," said Amherst Mayor Rob Small." The system can adapt to changing traffic conditions throughout the day, helping to reduce unnecessary delays and to improve the overall experience for drivers.”
The installation is expected to take one day, with the intersection remaining open throughout the work with frequent delays. Traffic disruptions will be temporary, but the benefits are expected to be felt for years to come.
The Town thanks motorists for their patience while this important infrastructure improvement is completed.
