Upgraded traffic signaling system activated on Route 22 in Monroeville, Murrysville
Goal is to alleviate congestion between 18 intersections in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties
A nearly $2 million project to improve traffic flow between Monroeville and Murrysville went live on Tuesday morning. (Mobile users: Scroll down for full story.)
Devices can be seen on utility poles at 18 intersections from Mellon Road in Murrysville to the traffic light at the #1 Cochran dealership in Monroeville. The signaling system will operate off current traffic flow instead of fixed timers.
VIDEO: Watch Ashlie Hardway's report
Those who drive Route 22 and work near it are used to seeing backups, especially during rush hour.
"Since we overlook 22, we see a lot of traffic here, especially coming from the city," Artisan Colour Spa stylist Heather Rasky said. "I'm really hoping that it will be easier for people to get around and get to where they need to be."
Pittsburgh's Action News 4 reporter Ashlie Hardway drove the route around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday and noted that it took nearly 13 minutes to get from the Monroeville side through Murrysville to Mellon Road. Actual travel times will vary depending on the time of day.
Raw video: How long does it take to drive Route 22
"Most cars will have to wait through two or three traffic lights to get through at the busiest time of day," said Stacey Spinola, owner of Spinola's Bake Shop in Murrysville. "Typically around quarter to six or so, it will start to thin out. People seem to forget they can cut over to Old William Penn (Highway). That is generally less busy."
The improved system will also trigger a green light for emergency vehicles approaching an intersection.
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