Traffic and crosswalk signals get an overhaul in Olympia

The city of Olympia is in the midst of a $390,000 project to change lights in traffic and pedestrian signals in the downtown area.

The conversion from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will save the city money. They use significantly less electricity and last longer so crews don't need to replace them as often.

To improve safety and promote walking, the new pedestrian lights feature a countdown while the red hand flashes.

"This is a way to provide additional information to people out there who are crossing the street about how much time they have to actually cross the street," said Randy Wesselman, the city's transportation, engineering and planning manager.

The Olympia City Council had expressed an interest in installing pedestrian signals with the countdown feature, Wesselman said.

The city awarded the contract to Totem Electric of Tacoma Inc.

Crews will change the lights at more than 50 intersections, including the core downtown area and along the Plum Street corridor. The equipment might block one lane of traffic for short periods of time.

The work began last week and is scheduled to be completed in late February.

The city's 2008 capital facilities plan called for converting its traffic signals to LEDs during the next two years.

Christian Hill covers Lacey and Thurston County for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or at chill@theolympian.com.