Coordinated signals, coordinated efforts

The City of Beaver Dam, Wis., in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, coordinated reconstruction of WIS 33 through the City of Beaver Dam, a project that included the installation of three traffic signals in the heart of downtown along with a mid-block pedestrian crossing. A second City project in process planned to install a fourth signal at a different location within the jurisdiction. City officials selected MSA to complete designs for both projects.

MSA’s final design incorporated all four traffic signals with fiber optic interconnect. We worked closely with the City as well as with WisDOT to coordinate construction schedules in order to minimize accessibility issues and travel delays. Since the two projects were not underway simultaneously, additional attention was required to also synchronize the installation of conduit and pull boxes—ensuring the least amount of interference with regular community activity.

Solar-powered pedestrian safety

To increase safety and ensure a high-visibility solution for pedestrians within the City, MSA implemented a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at one of Beaver Dam’s mid-block crossing. RRFBs are proven to increase safety and yield rates at uncontrolled crosswalks—a great solution to increasing a community’s walkability without the need for significant infrastructure changes. In conjunction with the beacon, MSA incorporated a large solar panel that would economically power the unit. The panel was mounted at a greater height in order to prevent shadows from falling upon the beacon, which would reduce the number of solar hours collected and decrease the unit’s energy efficiency.