Red Light Stop. Green Light Go. Two Temporary Stoplights Are Adding Safety to the Lab

“We are constructing an 80-foot pedestrian switchback ramp that will change about 15 feet in elevation from the roadway to the entrance of the Collaboration Commons,” said Marc Restrepo, PIM Project Manager. “We can’t safely do a vertical cut in the soil at the edge of the road, so we have to bench, or terrace cut the soil, and that involves digging into the roadway.”

The sign and light will be similar to this example.

Marc says the traffic flow will be controlled by two construction traffic lights that will alternate the direction of traffic. For the first week of operations, flaggers will also be present on site to monitor traffic and help to set the timing of the lights. “Emergency responders, such as the Lab’s fire crew, were part of the plan development.  We needed to give them the ability to change the light to green for them if they needed to respond to an emergency, and these lights will allow for that.”

There is no impact on parking.  Parking Lot Z, opposite the Guest House, and Parking Lot K next to Building 2 are still open. 

“We are rerouting pedestrians as well,” said Marc.  “Pedestrians will be directed by posted signage to the path that goes behind the Guest House.  Bicyclists can choose to stay on the road and follow the traffic lights, or walk their bike on the pedestrian path.”

“We have a lot of work to do in this phase, including demolition of the road, excavation, benching, installing the formwork and rebar, and pouring concrete before we put it all back together.  We are working as efficiently and safely as possible to avoid inconveniencing our colleagues.  In exchange for a bit of a longer drive for the next several weeks, we will all benefit from a new Collaboration Center where we can once again have that cup of coffee and conversation with our colleagues.”