Congress & Derby Street Intersection Improvements

BETA was retained by the Salem Engineering Department to improve traffic operations and safety at the Congress Street intersection with Derby Street and Hawthorne Boulevard. This intersection was under four-way STOP control, which at times resulted in vehicles approaching simultaneously on each of the existing seven lanes.  Observations indicated significant motorist confusion and hesitance at the approaches.  This situation was also confusing to pedestrians attempting to maneuver across the intersection and was exacerbated during summer periods when pedestrian tourist volumes are high.

Several alternatives were investigated, including flashing beacon, a roundabout, and various traffic signal strategies.  Traffic signal operation would significantly reduce delays, while creating safer vehicular movement and a pedestrian friendly atmosphere.  The preferred intersection improvements operation was an exclusive pedestrian phase to maximize safety for heavy pedestrian traffic.

An inventory of traffic signal equipment was conducted at adjacent intersections.  Through this inventory analysis it was determined the controller at an adjacent intersection was inadequate for time-based signal coordination and had to be replaced.