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Home My WebLink AboutUBI 2012 MAYCITY OF COLLEGE STATION Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are used in all but four of the city’s traffic signals. Typically, the LEDs trim electric power consumption by about 75 percent per signal. In pedestrian signals, we use LEDs with countdown timers as an additional safety component. About 25 percent of our signal system is equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units that keep the signal operating for six hours or more if we lose power. Retiming Improves Traffic Flow Our engineers keep a close eye on traffic patterns and frequently retime the signals along the city’s major arteries, which is a cost effective way to significantly reduce wait time and help traffic move smoothly. One recent synchronization reduced travel time by 40 percent during the evening rush hour and by 24 percent during the peak morning time. However, retiming the signals along major roadways such as Texas Avenue is not a simple task. We must consider such factors as pedestrians, cars entering Inside College Station * * * * * * * City of College Station * Home of Texas A&M University® * College Station, Texas * * * * * * * The city’s Traffic Division maintains and operates 70 traffic signals, 50 pedestrian/ school zone flashers, more than 12,000 traffic signs and over 100 miles of long line pavement markings. Monthly Inspections City crews inspect the signals each month to make sure vehicle detection, signal indications and pedestrian pushbuttons are operating properly. Signal cabinets are also cleaned regularly, and exhaust fans are checked along with the date, time and coordination program. We use three types of vehicle detection, which include in-ground loops, video and radar detection. Technicians repair most problems on the spot through our monthly preventative maintenance program, keeping after-hour calls to a minimum and maintaining the level of safety you expect. Technology Saves Money Our biggest cost savers are Light May 2012 and exiting businesses, preemption by emergency vehicles, construction projects and the amount of traffic on intersecting streets – as many as 50,000 vehicles a day. Every second of green we give drivers on Texas Avenue adds a second of red to those on intersecting streets. Other Challenges Our traffic signals use a preemption system to allow emergency vehicles the right-of-way by stopping conflicting traffic. The railroad tracks in the Wellborn Road corridor also present challenges since trains preempt the signal’s normal operation. As many as 20 trains have been known to pass through the area in a 24-hour period, and once a signal is preempted, it can take four or five cycles for it to get back into coordination. Safety and Efficiency The Traffic Division strives to maintain a safe and efficient transportation system while improving mobility through new technologies and well-trained technicians. Our mission is to reduce commuting time, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and keep your transportation system safe. The City of College Station is committed to the safety of the motoring public, cyclists and pedestrians. This is accomplished through an aggressive, preventative maintenance program and timely emergency response. To read more information about traffic signal operations in College Station, visit cstx.gov/publicworks. Keeping College Station’s traffic signals operating efficiently is a bigger job than you think. To report on traffic signal concerns and damaged stop signs, call 979-764-3638. QUICK LINKS >>> cstx.gov/publicworks What’s up with that Traffic Signal? • Composting your yard waste; and • Using a commercial car wash that treats or recycles wastewater. For more clean water tips and stormwater information, visit brazoscleanwater.org. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . characters must be a minimum of four inches in height, of a color that provides a contrast to the background and placed at a minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of 30 feet from ground level. If the structure is located more than 50 feet from the street curb then the address characters should be at least five inches in height. For single-family residences, these requirements can be met by placing numbers that are more than two inches in height on both sides of a U.S. mailbox, or a freestanding structure with numbers at least four inches in height. Building complexes must have the suite or unit numbers and the street address number on each structure, where they are visible from the nearest public street or designated fire lane. Commercial buildings must display the business name and official address with characters at least two inches in height on all access doors, including side and rear ones. These requirements are checked and enforced during the final inspection of new construction, by code enforcement officers or by inspectors from the Fire Marshal’s Office during their annual inspection. For more information regarding these standards, please contact Planning and Development Services at 979-764-3570. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storm Drains and Waterways Remove pollutants Storm drains have a direct connection to lakes, rivers and oceans. They are designed to prevent flooding when heavy rains occur. Rain water washes over streets and into the drains where underground pipes transport it into area creeks, rivers and lakes. Litter, pet waste, dirt, fertilizers, antifreeze and motor oils are just a few examples of contaminants that enter our waterways through storm drains on neighborhood streets. Keep our waterways clean by: • Following lawn fertilizer package recommendations during treatment; CITY OF COLLEGE STATION NEW Golf Camp for Kids June & July City of College Station Parks and Recreation Department is offering a brand-new golf camp for kids throughout June and July. There are two to choose from: Starting New At Golf Camp (SNAG) Ages 5-11 years Developed by golf professionals, SNAG is specifically designed for the entry- level player. Participants will learn solid fundamentals with an emphasis on golf technique and swing mechanics. Course fee is $120. Available Sessions: June 13- 15, June 20-22, June 27-29, July 18-20 or July 25-27. Junior Golf Players Camp Ages 8-16 years This is the perfect camp for those who want to learn the different formats of competitive golf, course management and mental strategies. Participants must have some golf experience and be able to carry their own golf bag for nine holes. Course fee is $165. Available Sessions: June 13-15, June 20-22 or June 27-29. Registration is going on now and will close once classes are full. You can register at rectrac.cstx.gov or visit the Stephen C. Beachy Central Park Office, located at 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address Placement Standards New requirements Here’s a friendly reminder about our Building and Fire Code requirements for address placement in College Station. Official building addresses should be placed in a position that is clearly visible from the roadway fronting the property. The address Inside College Station May 2012 {PAGE 2} events coming in June AQUATIC EVENTS cstx.gov/pools June 2 | Back to Pools Day Beach–themed party with games from 2–4 p.m. at Adamson Lagoon. June 6 | Aquatic Honor Roll A/B CSISD honor roll gets in free at all pools! Must bring report card. June 7,14,21,28 | Family Nights Families get half-price admission at Adamson Lagoon, 7:30–9:30 p.m. June 13 | CSISD School Shirt Day Get half-price admission with CSISD shirt at Adamson Lagoon. June 17 | Happy Father’s Day Dads get in free at all pools. June 27 | Shipwrecked Lagoon Dress like a pirate and get in free from 2-4 p.m. at Adamson Lagoon. JUNE EVENTS cstx.gov/calendar June 2,16 – Starlight Music Series at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Gates open 6 p.m. Free for all ages. cstx.gov/starlight June 9 & 10–21 – Rod Run Stephen C. Beachy Central Park cstx.gov/bluebonnetstreetrodders.com June 14,15,18,19 – Juneteenth Celebration by Lincoln Rec. Center cstx.gov/lincolncenter June 20 – Exploring History Lunch Lecture Series presents Reliving Texas History: Muskets, Cannons & Knives, by Dr. Lou Hodges at 11:30 a.m., CS Conference Center. RSVP by June 19 to Kelly Kelbly at 979- 764-6351 or kkelbly@cstx.gov.