KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County’s Comstock Township will be the proving ground for GPS tracking devices that are designed to automatically change traffic lights to make emergency runs safer for emergency vehicles.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County was approved for $333,000 in federal funding through the Michigan Department of Transportation. It’s a first of its kind project in the state.
The GPS devices will communicate with traffic signals to adjust traffic patterns, essentially flushing out the area to give the fire department improved response times, improved safety, and reduced liability. This means when a Comstock Township fire truck or emergency response vehicle approaches the upgraded signal, the light would be shifted to green for them, and cross-traffic would be halted. Road commission officials say that will reduce both head-on and side-impact crashes.
“What really drove [me] to pursue this technology in the Township is the limited sight intersections along Sprinkle Road,” shared Matt Beauchamp, Fire Chief for Comstock Township. “We regularly cross Sprinkle Road for emergency responses and many times motorists on Sprinkle Road are caught by surprise when we approach an intersection.”
The grant covers the installation of the signal upgrades at 20 signals in Comstock Township and 15 vehicle kits for emergency response vehicles. Because the funding is awarded for fiscal year 2022 the construction will not begin until that year.
