The deployment of the latest type of traffic cabinet technology has helped solve a complex intersection problem for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
One of the leading developers and suppliers of advanced transportation equipment, McCain Inc, has announced the completion of a landmark project in Covington, Georgia, USA, that makes use of the company’s first deployment of a low-voltage 350i ATC Cabinet. The advanced cabinet architecture and expansive capabilities helped GDOT improve operations at a troublesome dual-intersection location. The task of eliminating congestion and guiding drivers more efficiently between Interstate 20 and a parallel access road was brought to the attention of the GDOT traffic signal department, where transportation engineer Justin Hatch and assistant state signal engineer Mike Govus were presented with the challenge.
“The project intersections are located just 50ft apart,” commented Hatch. “After evaluating how to better move vehicles through the intersections, controlled by a single cabinet, Mike and I decided that the ideal solution was to install a new cabinet with more channels or traffic command capabilities.”
The new low-voltage 350i ATC Cabinet was presented to GDOT by Utilicom Supply Associates, McCain’s local distributor and a premier regional supplier of communications, ITS, and traffic products. The cabinet has proved to be the ideal solution, offering GDOT the ability to control up to 32 channels, twice the industry norm. Powered by Schneider Electric’s innovative 48V DC power management unit, the low-voltage cabinet also offered the agency a unique means to further promote driver and technician safety.
Govus noted, “AT GDOT, we are always looking for ways to incorporate new and emerging technology. The low-voltage option provides immediate benefits to our team’s safety, by reducing the risk of dangerous high-voltage shocks, and also opens the door to future opportunities, such as solar or extended system backups in the event of a power outage or emergency. We viewed this as a win-win that would also help GDOT keep pace with technology.”
Commemorating the project’s completion, GDOT’s director of operations, John Hibbard, commented, “I’m proud to celebrate the creative thought and technical capabilities of two of our excellent Traffic Operations staff.”
