Layton lights getting revamp

LAYTON — Traffic on Fort Lane should flow smoother later this year when a video system replaces the traditional sensors at three key intersections.

Scott Carter, Layton's community development director, said cameras will be installed as part of a more efficient traffic control system at the intersections of Wasatch, Gordon and Antelope later this year.

"The cameras can read traffic better," he said. "They will improve traffic flow."

Cache Valley Electric, which will install the new system, is currently waiting for more parts and then wants to implement it as soon as possible.

Carter said the cameras will replace the old loop sensor system that is embedded in the roadway. Cost of the new system is approximately $157,000 total, for the three intersection improvements.

The Wasatch-Fort Lane intersection is near Layton High School, Commons Park and the Layton City offices. The other two intersections are thoroughfares to Layton's busy retail areas.

Carter also said the new traffic signal at 500 N. Main, near Home Depot, was activated last week. The signal went up last summer but was idle for some six weeks, awaiting additional parts of electrical power.

Since Main Street is a state road, the Utah Department of Transportation was also involved in that project.

The intersection not only has enough traffic to legally need a light, but it will also break up a one-mile stretch of Main Street where there are no traffic signals.

Carter said it is about a half-mile from Gentile Street to 500 North and about another half-mile from 500 North to Hill Field Road.

"It's right in the middle," Carter said.

That means the signal will not only benefit those who shop at Home Depot but will also provide traffic breaks for all other businesses and homeowners in that area.

Another benefit may be that it could slow down motorists on Main Street.

"I've heard from a few nearby merchants, and they love it (the new signal)," Carter said.

Home Depot paid about $150,000 for the installation of the signal when the store was built, in order to fast-track its installation.

Carter said that Layton has a master plan outlining where future traffic lights ought to be in the city. Intersections must have high enough volumes of traffic to warrant signalization. He said once this light is in, Layton will be caught up, at least temporarily, on needed lights according to Uniform Traffic Control standards.

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