A traffic signal modernization project set to improve six downtown signals at little-to-no cost to local taxpayers began this week, Mayor Doug England announced.

The project involves the replacement of existing mast arms, controllers, signal indications for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the installation of new vehicle detection at the following intersections:

• E. Market St. at Pearl St.
• E. Market St. at Bank St.
• E. Market St. at E. Seventh St.
• E. Spring St. at Pearl St.
• E. Spring St. at Bank St.
• E. Spring St. and E. Seventh St.

Other notable improvements:

• The detection system will now be wireless, eliminating issues typical to wired loop systems within the pavement.
• Pedestrian signal indications will visibly display the amount of crossing time remaining.
• New controllers and antennae will be installed where State St. intersects E. Market and E. Spring Streets to create a coordinated signal system.
• Signal heads will use LED lights, which are brighter, last longer and are more energy-efficient.

The project was let by the Indiana Department of Transportation on Nov. 18, 2009. Michiana Contracting, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $539,904.33.

Construction funding is 100-percent federal-aid through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Engineering fees were funded locally through tax-increment financing.

The job is expected to be complete at the end of June 2010.

A similar project is slated to soon begin at the intersection of E. Elm and Pearl Streets, which will incorporate the intersections of E. Elm and Pearl and State Streets and Scribner Dr. in the coordinated system.