Traffic Control
Traffic Markings
From the beginning of May until October, Public Works will paint over 50 kilometres of lane markings and over 10 kilometres of crosswalks and directional arrow markings. A combination of paint, semi-permanent and permanent markings will be used. New roads will be exclusively permanent markings. Most of this work will occur at night to minimize disruption to traffic and “tracking” of wet paint by vehicles. The City is experimenting with new lead free water base traffic paints for City parking lots, cross walks and bus stops.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals in Airdrie are subject to warrant programs to ensure the devices are placed where they will be used.
The City is retrofitting existing traffic and pedestrian signal displays with new light-emitting diode (LED) technology in an effort to save money, enhance traffic safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, LEDs use 80 percent less energy, thereby saving money and reducing equivalent CO2 emissions, are brighter and more visible under all driving conditions and last five times longer, reducing the risk of traffic signal failure.
Questions about the new LED traffic signals:
1. What is an LED traffic signal?
An LED traffic signal uses light-emitting diode technology instead of incandescent bulbs. The LED traffic signals use less energy, which will reduce The City's electricity costs. LED lamps are more efficient than incandescent bulbs because:
- Energy is not wasted as heat. Unlike incandescent lamps, LED lamps do not create light through the production of heat.
- Energy is not wasted through filtering. Since incandescent lamps produce white light, filters are needed to block all light energy except for the colour required. LEDs create coloured light directly.
2. Why is The City of Airdrie retrofitting its existing traffic signal displays with LED technology?
The City is changing to the new LED traffic signals because they use a fraction of the energy used by conventional incandescent bulbs. This project is also consistent with The City's commitment to continuous improvement in environmental management practices.
3. What does the word "retrofit" mean?
The term "retrofit" is a 'buzzword' meaning to alter a mechanism (in this case traffic signal displays) with new components that enhance safety and/or the environment and offer financial benefits.
4. If the LED traffic signal uses less energy, will it emit less light and be more difficult to see?
The new LED traffic signals are far brighter and are therefore more visible from the motorists' perspective under all conditions. The new LED traffic signals are five times more energy-efficient than the old incandescent bulbs. Since LED signals do not have the internal reflector necessary with incandescent signals, they do not create the illusion of being lit up when hit with direct sunlight.
5. Are there colour differences between the old incandescent and new LED traffic lights?
Colour differences are very slight. It is more likely that motorists will notice how much brighter the LED traffic signals are.
6. What is the lifespan of the new LED signals compared to the old signals?
The new LED traffic signals have a life span of over 10 years. The old incandescent bulbs only last about two years. In any given year, incandescent bulbs were replaced throughout the City, with each change requiring a three-person crew.