06/16/11 When severe weather strikes in the area, there is a chance traffic signals can lose power. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has technicians on call 24-hours per day to manage these issues.
Under Indiana law, drivers who encounter an intersection where the signal has lost power should treat the intersection as a four-way stop. After stopping and when it is safe to do so, the driver should proceed with caution though the intersection. Drivers should yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the intersection.
When a traffic signal loses power, INDOT will attempt to place stop signs at the intersection within two hours. The signal will also be programmed to flash on four-way red when the power is restored until the signs can be removed. INDOT’s LaPorte district manages 618 traffic signals in 13 counties.
Being alert and following these rules will help keep Indiana roadways and intersections safe when traffic signals are not functioning properly.
To report a traffic signal outage, call the LaPorte District toll free at 1-855-GO-INDOT. For the latest news and information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot. You can find traffic restriction information at www.trafficwise.IN.gov.
