Traffic signal malfunction in Colorado Springs confuses drivers

Ashley Eberhardt
·1 min read

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — After a traffic signal was captured illuminating both the red and green lights on the northeast side of Colorado Springs on Tuesday, Feb. 27, FOX21 News reached out to the City to find out how this happens, and what drivers should do when they see it.

Brian W. posted the below photo on social media on Tuesday, showing a traffic signal on northbound Austin Bluffs Parkway at Barnes Road illuminating both the red and green lights around 11:30 a.m.

Red and green lights lit at Austin Bluffs and Barnes
Courtesy: Brian W.

FOX21 News reached out to the City about this issue and received some information from the City’s Traffic Engineering Department.

A malfunction like this is rare, according to the City, and this particular instance occurred because blowing snow got into the electric cabinet that houses the signal operations. The City said the door seal on the cabinet was weak due to previous vandalism, which allowed snow to get in.

The City said the snow caused a short on the red light indication, causing them to illuminate when not intended. However, the signal continued to operate, as the malfunction did not cause conflicting signals for multiple directions (e.g. green lights for both westbound and southbound).

A malfunction with conflicting signals would trip an all-red flash, which should be treated as a four-way stop.

If you see a signal malfunctioning like this, the City asks that you report it as quickly and safely as possible to the Colorado Springs Police Department, either by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at (719) 444-7000.

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