Snowstorms are causing problems with a new set of traffic lights at an east Saint John intersection.
Traffic lights were installed last fall at the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and the Route 1 westbound exit ramp (Exit 129).
It was part of a larger project which saw the Department and Transportation and Infrastructure reconfigure the intersection, along with the nearby intersection of Rothesay Avenue and Rothesay Road.
But during the two most recent snowstorms, drivers have reported not being able to get the lights to turn from red to green. The issue has been most frequently reported by those taking the Route 1 westbound exit ramp, leading to backups onto the highway.
Lisa Caissie, a spokesperson for the City of Saint John — which is responsible for ongoing maintenance of the lights — said they are aware of the issue.
“The exact cause has not been identified; however, an initial inspection indicates that the sensors are not able to detect the presence of vehicles during snowstorms,” Caissie wrote in an email.
Caissie said city staff are working with provincial officials to address the issue.
“For now, and as a temporary solution, the City’s traffic technicians have set the lights on a timed cycle rather than the vehicle detection system they were initially constructed for,” she said.
There is no word on how long it may take to repair the issue.
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