If fire trucks and police vehicles could depend on hitting green lights during emergency calls, it would enhance the safety of first-responders and possibly save lives.
That ability should become reality in Columbus in 2027, thanks to one of two matching grants received through the Indiana Department of Transporation’s (INDOT) Highway Safety Improvement program.
The city will install technology known as a Miovision Opticom Cloud system across 62 Columbus intersections, according to Jody Coffman, communications and events coordinator for the city.
Developed by an Atlanta, Georgia-based corporation, the Miovision technology will be able to change red signals to green as needed to allow first responders to reach their destination more quickly, Coffman wrote. Cars and trucks ahead of emergency vehicles that are stuck at a red light will also be able to move to the side of the road to allow first responders the room they need to get through, she said.
In a community south of Boston, Massachusetts, the system was able to reduce intersection crash rates by up to 70%. According to the Quincy Traffic Department, the Miovision system also provided a 25% improvement in response times. Coffman says that has the potential to minimize damage to life and property.
The other matching grant will pay for the installation of an overhead high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) signal at the intersection of 19th Street and Central Avenue. Since it links Lincoln, Donner and Noblitt parks, 19th Street is often used by walkers, runners and bicyclists. The Columbus Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan states the intersection should be improved out of concern for high-speed and high-volume traffic.
Examples of other HAWK signals, also known as Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, can be found in Columbus at the intersection of Fifth and Lindsey streets, as well as Central Avenue and Parkside Drive.
For both projects, the city will received a combined total of $1,950,750, according to city officials. The community will be required to match those funds with $216,750.
