Are Some of Lorain’s Traffic Lights Unnecessary? A Heated Debate Over the Glance Monitoring System
Are some of Lorain’s traffic lights no longer needed—and could removing them actually make the roads safer? That’s what Lorain City Council debated as they discussed a new system to modernize the city’s traffic signals.
The Glance Cabinet Monitoring System, a cloud-based traffic management tool, promises better safety, faster repairs, and more efficient traffic flow. But some council members raised concerns about the cost, long-term maintenance, and the potential removal of so-called ‘unwarranted’ traffic lights.
With a price tag of $6,000 per traffic signal, the city is weighing whether the investment is worth it—and whether it could qualify for federal grants to cover costs. Here’s what residents need to know about the proposal and how it could impact traffic in Lorain.
What is the Glance Traffic System?
The Glance Cabinet Monitoring System is a high-tech tool that allows traffic signals to be monitored remotely. It helps city officials fix problems faster, keeps emergency vehicle routes clear, and ensures that signals work properly at all times.
The system provides real-time data access, allowing engineers to monitor power status, battery backup, and vehicle detection. Emergency vehicles benefit from preemption settings, which help ambulances and fire trucks navigate intersections more efficiently. The cloud-based system can be accessed remotely, allowing for quick adjustments and troubleshooting. Additionally, it offers scalability, meaning it can grow with the city’s needs and be integrated into future traffic upgrades.
But while the system offers modern traffic solutions, some council members worry about the costs and the system’s reliance on internet access.
The Debate Over ‘Unwarranted’ Traffic Lights
One of the most controversial parts of the discussion was the idea of removing “unwarranted” traffic signals—lights that may no longer be necessary based on traffic studies.
Traffic engineers determine whether a light is needed based on factors such as traffic volume, crash history, pedestrian activity, and proximity to schools or major public areas. City officials say that removing unnecessary traffic signals could improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. But some residents and council members worry that taking away certain lights could increase safety risks.
Council members raised important questions. Could removing lights make certain intersections more dangerous? Would stop signs or roundabouts replace traffic lights that are removed? How will the city ensure that changes actually improve safety?
While some cities have successfully removed traffic lights to improve efficiency, others have seen increased accidents and confusion among drivers and pedestrians.
The Costs and Funding Battle
A major concern for council members was the cost of implementing the Glance system and making other traffic upgrades.
The Glance system costs $6,000 per signal. Lorain has 42 traffic signals, meaning a full upgrade would cost $240,000. Currently, only 17 signals are equipped with the system. The city is prioritizing two more intersections for upgrades in the near future.
For comparison, the Leavitt/Oberlin/Washington project cost $1.3 million, including a road diet and three traffic signals. The Colorado Avenue signal project cost $700,000, and the Tower signal project is estimated at $300,000.
City officials are hoping to secure funding through the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACCA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants. Some council members questioned whether the city could get 100% grant funding to avoid using local tax dollars.
Potential Traffic Changes & Public Impact
If the city moves forward with the Glance system and new traffic studies, some intersections in Lorain could see major changes.
Council member Mary Sprinkowski pointed to Pearl Avenue and 28th Street as key areas needing better maintenance. Other high-traffic areas could also be evaluated for upgrades or removals.
For residents, this could mean improved maintenance, faster emergency response times, and potential changes in traffic flow. If traffic studies determine that certain signals aren’t needed, they could be replaced with stop signs or roundabouts, which may require drivers to adjust to new patterns.
After a lengthy discussion, the Lorain City Council did not take a vote on the issue. However, officials plan to continue evaluating the Glance system, pursuing grant opportunities, and conducting further safety studies.
The next steps include more traffic studies to analyze which signals are truly needed, applying for grants to reduce costs, and engaging the public for input before final decisions are made.
Lorain residents should stay informed and voice their opinions. If major changes are coming to the city’s traffic system, public input could be key in shaping the final decision.
What Do You Think?
Should Lorain invest in the Glance traffic system, or is it an unnecessary expense? Are some of Lorain’s traffic lights truly “unwarranted,” or do they serve an important safety role? Share your thoughts in the comments below!