Traffic Signal Bases Reduce
Installation Costs
The Beaumont District of the Texas Department of Transportation chose QUAZITEŽ traffic signal bases when the District had a project requiring new and retrofit installations of traffic control cabinets. The QUAZITEŽ traffic signal bases were less expensive to install, could be quickly installed by District employees, could be relocated and could reduce potential injury and/or liability if struck by a vehicle.
The District had previously poured
concrete in place at an approximate cost of $1,000 for
each traffic signal foundation. The installation process
using concrete could take up to one week or more depending
on weather and involved having to schedule around other
work crews. The cost of the QUAZITEŽ base was $500 (1/2 the cost of the alternative method) and installation time was reduced to one-half day.
QUAZITEŽ traffic signal bases are constructed of reinforced polymer concrete manufactured in molded structural shapes. The inner surface consists of a heavy gel coat of polyester resin to provide a smooth non-abrasive working surface. This surface is backed by a double layer of heavy-weave fiberglass. As a result of this construction, QUAZITEŽ traffic signal bases combine high strength and rigidity with minimal weight.
The District also had many retrofit
applications in urban areas where it would have been very
difficult to pour concrete. The QuaziteŽ base was easy to install over existing conduit runs and old bases and could be easily bolted to the sidewalk. The need to block traffic during the retrofit project was dramatically reduced.
The potential liability of a massive
poured in place foundation in a traffic right of way area
was a major concern. The QUAZITEŽ base weighs only a fraction of the concrete and will cause less damage to vehicle and driver in the event of an accident. According to James Strawther, Traffic Signal Manager of the Beaumont District, "This QUAZITEŽ base probably saved some lives when a tractor trailer ran into the side of it. The QUAZITEŽ construction allows the side impact to be lessened and so prevented a serious injury which would have resulted from the traditional structure."
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