Sentinel staff report–
Residents in recent weeks may have noticed the appearance of a yellow reflective border around many traffic signals in Citrus Heights, causing some to question the reason behind the change.
In an update to the City Council earlier this month, City Engineer Leslie Blomquist said the yellow bordering is part of the city’s “Various Signalized Intersection Safety Improvements” project. The project’s $950,000 contract was awarded in December last year and also includes 2,500-linear feet of fencing being installed in the median areas near the intersection of Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard.
Related: Fencing being installed to prevent pedestrian collisions at Greenback/Auburn
Blomquist described the reflective border as part of a “vehicle signal indication” replacement, which installed larger signal heads along with the new yellow border at 30 intersections. She said the increased size and yellow border “will increase visibility of the signal heads with the goal to reduce rear-end and broadside collisions.”
The project also included pedestrian count-down timers at eight intersections. Blomquist said studies have shown the timers reduce the number of pedestrian-involved collisions.
The project was largely funded through a $486,000 Highway Safety Improvement Project grant, along with Measure A funds and other restricted funds.
