Traffic Signal Add-On Will

Green Light Emergency Vehicles

By John Voket

In the coming months, police, fire, and medical emergency responders may find it easier and safer navigating through congested traffic on certain roadways during daily rush hours and on busy weekends. Tuesday evening, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a request by Police Chief Michael Kehoe to install Newtown’s first emergency vehicle preemption system at the corner of Church Hill Road and Queen Street.

According to the chief, the sound activated device will automatically stop crossing traffic with a red light and activate a green light to allow approaching police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles to pass through the intersection with greater ease and safety.

“We’re not talking about a significant difference in response times, but it will help get responders through the intersections more safely,” Chief Kehoe told The Bee Wednesday. “The greatest risk to responding emergency vehicles occurs at intersections.”

Chief Kehoe said that a second device is planned for the intersection of Routes 25 and 302, adjacent to the police headquarters and a site where Newtown Hook and Ladder is considering building a new fire station. He said the two intersections are ideal for the additional technology because traffic signals recently installed at those locations are designed to accommodate the add-on preemption system.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal told fellow selectmen Tuesday that the cost to outfit each signal is approximately $1,400, and that any additional expense would be underwritten by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) through grants.

Chief Kehoe said he first learned about the availability of the devices when his department was approached by DOT representatives offering to cover most of the expense for such equipment as part of the signal upgrade process. While the devices are only currently slated for these two key intersections, the chief said he would not rule out adding them to other signals when and if the opportunity becomes available.

“My understanding is, the device can detect the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle and immediately switch the signal so that vehicle has a green light through that intersection,” he said.

The chief said that as traffic patterns in Newtown become more congested, the need to enhance safety for emergency responders becomes even more critical.

“We’re always concerned about the general inattentiveness of drivers. But we’re pleased to be able to take advantage of this technology as it becomes available to us,” he said. “It’s not intended as a cure-all for responders, but it will make it a lot safer for emergency crews and officers as they move through these intersections.”