Traffic lights in north Fayetteville now linked via computer system

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Traffic on the north side of Fayetteville should be running smoother now that traffic lights on Ga. highways 85 and 314 have been synchronized.

The second phase of the synchronization program includes traffic lights from the intersection of hwys. 85 and 314 northward to the last traffic lights in the city limits, said Fayetteville City Engineer Don Easterbrook. The signals are linked by fiber optic cable so they can operate together instead of independently.

The idea is to "allow for easier commuting through town," Easterbrook said. The idea is to keep motorists from having to stop at every traffic light, he added.

Previously, each signal operated independently, but now they operate in timed concert, Easterbrook said. The signals operate several different programs that are run depending on the time of day, with one special program for morning rush hour and another for the evening rush hour.

The timing programs are set by the Georgia Department of Transportation, which owns the signals, Easterbrook said. The signals can be changed remotely from the DOT's district office in Thomaston, more than 30 miles south of Fayetteville, without needing to send a DOT official here.

The DOT will perform actual driving tests with timed results to see how effective the synchronization project has been.

"We're waiting on that report to see how much of an improvement there has been," Easterbrook said.