Signal Cameras
“I just wanted to congratulate the city on completing the Santa Teresa Widening Project. If you didn’t catch the sarcasm in my voice, that was sarcasm. That was the longest 1.7-mile widening road project in the history of the United States, I believe. An eight-month long project ended up taking a year-and-a half, two years. Speed limits are going to be 45 mph and I’ve already encountered people going 55 and 65 mph.
“The city could make some money if they get the police out there to enforce the speed limit. There was an old gentleman walking along the side with no sidewalk today and cars are going by him at 55, 60 mph, not 15 feet from him. So police have to get out there. People are using it as a freeway and the paint isn’t even dry.
“Finally, there was a question a while back about cameras at an intersection and I believe Red Phone asked which intersection? Every intersection along Santa Teresa has cameras on the signals and light posts. Just wanted to let the Red Phone know the person was probably talking about those. I would like to know what those are for also. Thank you.”
Red Phone
Never fear. The cameras are not there to spy on you.
“That is our detection system for when vehicles are at intersections so it can change the signal in response to vehicles,” City Transportation Engineer Don Dey said. “Previously we installed wire loops in the pavement. … that detect a vehicle or a motorcycle so the light knows to change. Generally you can see them at the intersections where you’ll see a square in the traffic lane.
“Video detection is a different technology to accomplish the same thing, but instead of being in the pavement, it’s above the ground, which means it’s not susceptible to all of the pavement damage that occurs.”
Free Water?
“I observed the contractor’s water truck for the new school being built on Greenfield at the end of Luchessa getting water from the fire hydrant. Does the contract have to pay for the water? I do not see a meter attached to the fire hydrant where they are filling. Since the contractor gets water from the city hydrant, what rate do they pay compared to residents?”
Red Phone
You have sharp eyes and a knack for city policy. City Transportation Engineer Don Dey said contractors are, indeed, supposed to use meters when drawing from public water supplies so they can recompense the city for usage. If you have the name of the contractor, the city’s engineering department can look into it. Give them a ring at 846-0450.
Readers:
Do you have a comment, complaint or compliment about an issue that affects Gilroy and its residents? Perhaps you’d like to suggest a turn signal at a troubled intersection? Or maybe offer up a compliment for a good job done by city workers? Just let the Red Phone know. But remember to leave a name and number when you call or e-mail. The Red Phone won’t publish this information – it will only be used if verification is necessary. Contact the Red Phone at 842-9070 or e-mail
re******@gi************.com
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