R2023-173 Resolution Approving the Expenditure of City Funds for the Purchase of Traffic Signal Video Vehicle Detection Systems

Home Browse Search

Municipal Services DATE: 8/14/2023 MEMO: 2023-82 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manager Matthew Newell,P.E.,Public Works Director Byron Bowman,Municipal Services Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Approving the Expenditure of City Funds for the Purchase of Traffic Signal Video Vehicle Detection Systems SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is proposed that the City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing the mayor to sign and the City Clerk to attest to the expenditure of City funds in the amount of$50,550.00 to Traffic Signal Corporation for the purchase of two(2)Autoscope video vehicle detection systems. BACKGROUND: Brush College Road/Reas Bridge Road The traffic signal vehicle detection system located at the intersection of Brush College Road&Reas Bridge Road is not operational. The system consists of wire loops cut into the pavement which detect the metal in vehicles passing over them. Deteriorating pavement makes keeping these loops active very difficult resulting in traffic signals that do not operate to their full efficiency which can create traffic congestion and delays. A video-based vehicle detection system is proposed for this intersection,to replace the wire loop and pressure system. The two main video detection systems used in Illinois are the Iteris System and the Autoscope System. The City has 13 signalized intersections with video detection. Our experience with each system has been that the Autoscope system provides better operation,and we have been moving to use that system over the Iteris system at many intersection locations under the control of the city. The Autoscope system has fewer parts,and the system has proven to be more durable and reliable. The Iteris system runs about$1,000 cheaper than the Autoscope system. Per agreement with the Macon County Highway Department,the City will be reimbursed 75%of the cost of the detection system for an amount of$18,956.25. The City will also be reimbursed 75%of labor and equipment costs to install the detection systems. Brush College Road/William Street During the damaging derecho wind storm that struck the City in late June,the video vehicle detection system in operation at the intersection of Brush College Road&William Street was severely damaged by electrical surges caused by damaged power lines. The City used the remainder of its spare parts along with parts provided by IDOT to repair the system and restore it to operation. It is proposed that a spare Autoscope system be purchased to replace the system used to repair the damage. Full reimbursement of this purchase is being sought through the emergency declaration issued as part of the storm damage. It is recommended that two(2)Autoscope video detection systems be purchased at a cost of$50,550.00. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: April 3,2023: The City Council approved Resolution R2023-66 authorizing the expenditure of City funds in the amount of $49,978.00 to Traffic Signal Corporation for the purchase of two Autoscope video vehicle detection systems. In quotes received,the Autoscope system ran about$1,000 more vs. the Iteris System($24,989 Autoscope vs. $23,911 Iteris). SCHEDULE: Following approval by the City Council,the video detection systems will be purchased,and the installation scheduled. The new video detection systems should be installed and commissioned within 60 days of the receipt of the equipment.