In late August, the International Municipal Signal
Association (IMSA) will hold its 107th Annual Conference and 25th Annual School
in Arlington, Va. (see p. 34 for a preview). TM+E recently caught up with Brian
Stotler, president of IMSA, to ask a few questions regarding the traffic signal
and sign industry as well as ask why our readers may be interested in attending
the IMSA Annual Conference and School.
How has the traffic signal and sign industry evolved in
recent years?
The pace of evolution in the traffic signal and sign
industry has always been tied to new advances in technology. There have been
more “new technologies” in the last 10 years than there have been
since the installation of the first traffic control device.
While the advances in technologies have allowed for
increased mobility while maintaining the highest level of safety, they have
also opened the door to many new challenges that sometimes conflict with
conventional wisdom. As we attempt to entice commuters out of their vehicles
and into alternative modes of transportation, we create a new need, that of
increased mobility and safety for pedestrians.
Another evolution is the move from TOD systems to more
adaptive traffic control systems that adjust to real-time demand. And
let’s not forget the move toward transit priority.
With that said, the biggest evolution has been with traffic
signal and sign personnel. Their job has evolved from a well-defined job
description to having responsibilities that include front-line customer
service, design and specification development, project management, inspection,
data collection and the list goes on.
What we will see is a shortage of qualified technicians
capable of installation of new technologies while keeping legacy systems up and
running optimally. Planning for our maintenance operations during the systems
engineering process will assure the continued evolution of the traffic signal
and sign industry.
Wireless antenna installations and the use of LED lamps in
traffic signals are on the increase. Do these applications represent the latest
trends in traffic signals?
Wireless technologies have come a long way since the first
traffic applications, way before I was ever involved with traffic signals. What I see now is the use of wireless
technologies related to traffic signal operation in a temporary fix type
situation or where cable installation costs make wireless more attractive.
The LED phenomenon has moved to center stage for many
jurisdictions. Imagine reducing power consumption by 90%. In other words,
taking a 20-amp service and reducing it to 2 amps. Or the idea of extending
lamp life—incandescent—from two years to a minimum of five years
and as much as 10 years. Another benefit of LED lamps is the use of UPS systems
and the down-to-earth cost of such systems due to reduced power requirements.
The down side of LED technology is the initial costs are high. But another
success story of investments in a longer life cycle, and LED technology, can be
affected by excessive heat, which can affect lamp output.
Have you noticed the industry adopting the new standards
released in the MUTCD?
Manufacturers of traffic control devices have been ahead of
the curve for some time, preparing themselves for the eventual adoption of the MUTCD.
They had to be to stay in business. I also think local jurisdictions were
proactive in regards to the new MUTCD with pedestrian safety and “Safe
Routes to School” programs. Another area of the industry that has
maintained the lead in adopting the MUTCD are the certifying organizations such
as IMSA that provide up-to-date information for maintenance, construction and
operation personnel. Though our Traffic Signal certification programs and our
Signs and Markings certification programs have gone through extensive updates,
the certification program requiring the greatest change was our “Work
Zone/Temporary Traffic Control” program. Our certification committee
developed an excellent program that actually makes sense of Chapter 6.
IMSA will host its 107th Annual Conference and School on
Aug. 22-30, 2002, in Arlington County, Va. What can TM+E readers who are
attending expect from this event?
Along with Arlington’s historical sites and vast
cultural offerings, you will enjoy the premier event for maintenance,
construction and operations in the traffic signal and sign industry. This
year’s event should be our biggest ever, featuring the best in
certification programs, technical sessions, site tours and incredible hands-on
exhibits. TME
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