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McCain Intersection Works When All Others Fail During Category 3 Winter Storm Stella
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAM)
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Building Automation & Control
- Smart City Operations
- Remote Asset Management
- Perimeter Security & Access Control
Services
- System Integration
- Hardware Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Given its climate and geography, the Massachusetts coastline is particularly susceptible to massive snow storms and blizzards as well as the power outages that accompany them. When they lose power, the majority of the region’s signalized intersections remain offline until utility service is restored, which in some cases, can be days or weeks. The danger of icy and snow-covered intersections is compounded by dark signals, one of the most dangerous traffic scenarios. In March 2017, late winter storm Stella brought blizzard conditions to parts of Massachusetts, blanketing New England with 3 – 5 feet of snow, leaving 100,000 customers without power. As a result, every one of Newburyport’s conventional traffic cabinets failed when they lost utility power. New England is not alone. Extreme weather is causing a dramatic increase in major power outages, estimated to have increased tenfold since the mid-1980s.
About The Customer
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for the transportation infrastructure in the state of Massachusetts, including highways, public transportation, and traffic management systems. In early 2017, at the request of McCain Distributor, Electric Light Company, Inc., MassDOT approved a solo intersection pilot to test McCain’s Low-Voltage ATC (Advanced Traffic Controller) Cabinet. The pilot was initially designed to test the low-voltage cabinet’s safety features for installers. MassDOT's role is crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation systems, especially during extreme weather conditions that can lead to power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
The Solution
McCain’s 48VDC Low-Voltage ATC Cabinet was deployed at the intersection of Old Route 1 and Low Street in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This cabinet is designed to operate on low voltage, which dramatically extends the life of battery backups and improves safety for anyone with access to the cabinet, such as installers, technicians, and consultants. During the late winter storm Stella in March 2017, this intersection remained fully operational despite massive power outages throughout the region. The battery backup system of the McCain cabinet was still at 70% capacity ten hours after the storm, enough to run the intersection for two days fully actuated and an additional two weeks in flashing yellow mode. This solution not only ensured continuous operation of the traffic signals but also protected drivers, personnel, and the public from accidental contact with high-voltage wires in the event of a knockdown. The low-voltage operation also lowered personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, making it safer for maintenance personnel.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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