DOWNEY - Republic Intelligent Transportation Services, Inc., has completed the installation of 154 countdown signals throughout the city aimed at increasing pedestrian safety.The final project cost was $34,041 - about $6,300 over budget - to be paid with federal grant monies. The City Council approved the final construction cost Tuesday. The devices were installed at pre-determined locations in Downey that had "the highest combination in pedestrian volume and pedestrian-related collision history," city officials said. The signals, located at 20 intersections, count down in seconds the time until the traffic light changes. City officials said the project went over budget because 42 existing signal housings were too small to accommodate the new signal indicators, causing the contractor to order different housing units.

********** Published: March 24, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 49