Press Releases - 30 June 2010
New traffic signal control at IRT intersections
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
MEDIA RELEASE
30 JUNE 2010
New
Traffic Signal Control at IRT Intersections
The
inclusion of a dedicated MyCiTi/IRT bus lane along existing roads (such as
around the Civic Centre station) has resulted in the need to change the traffic
signals at some major intersections.
As the bus
lanes are in the middle of the road, the movement of the buses through the
intersections pose a safety risk to motorists turning right across the bus lanes,
unless these movements are carefully managed by traffic signals.
The major
changes to the operation of the traffic signals is the introduction of a
separate set of traffic signals for right turns by vehicles (other than buses)
and the introduction of dedicated bus signals. This means that each approach to
an IRT-affected intersection will have one set of signals for buses in the bus
lane and two sets of signals for other traffic (one set of signals for right
turns, and one set of signals for through and left turns).
The
bus-lane signals have a bus shaped lens through which the red, amber or green
light shines (* refer to bus signal image). Signs displaying the word
‘Bus’ will soon be installed above these signals.
The other
two sets of traffic signals are clearly identified by the supplementary
signboards attached above the signal face, which display arrows indicating
which movements are controlled by each signal (* refer to images of signal
heads and signs).
Right
turning traffic cannot proceed into the intersection unless the signal face
with the right turn arrow sign above it, is flashing green. Similarly through
and left turning traffic must comply with the signals above which the combined
straight ahead and left turn arrows are displayed.
In order to make the new traffic signalling system easier for road
users to navigate, the City will erect informational signage in the next few
weeks. There will also be a change to the signal phasing and time allocation for
the protected right turning movements at Oswald Pirow Street and at Civic Lane
intersections with Hertzog Boulevard.
[A graphic explaining the above traffic signalling is available on
request].
End
Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Kylie Hatton, Manager: Media, City of
Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 4684 Cell: 082 874 4605.
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