Rawsonville @ Bemis - New Traffic Light, New Technology - Caution & Attention Required
As some are already aware, the Washtenaw County Road Commission recently installed a new traffic light at the intersection of Rawsonville and Bemis roads. In addition to new signals controlling left turns, the intersection is now equipped with electromagnetic sensors that record traffic flow and automatically control the light. While this new technology is excellent to keep traffic moving, it does require a bit of a learning phase for drivers compared to the previous traffic light.
Most drivers are used to the classic traffic light - when it turns green for one road, it turns red for the other. Not so for this new light. Due to the sensors controlling the light, it could now be red for northbound Rawsonville while at the same time being green for southbound and the left turn onto Bemis. There are several combinations of this type of scenario that can occur in any direction, so we ask everyone to be cautious and pay close attention to what your specific light is telling you at all times, especially when making left turns.
Another important point from the road commission - due to placement of the electromagnetic sensors, if you find yourself as the first vehicle in line stopped at a red signal the light will function at its best in terms of traffic flow if you stop the front of your vehicle directly on top of while Stop Bar (Stop Line) marked on the pavement.
Thank you for always doing your part to keep our roads safe.
