902.22 Maintenance Guidelines

902.22.1 Controllers and Equipment

902.22.1.1 Controller and Cabinet Replacement Program

Guidance. Routine replacement of control equipment assists in maintaining and operating a reliable system. Signal controllers should be replaced at 10 years of age or older and cabinets should be replaced at 25 years of age or older.

Option. Cabinets and controllers may be replaced sooner than the recommended age. Controllers or cabinets experiencing higher than normal maintenance should be considered for replacement regardless of age.

Support. Controllers replaced under this replacement program do not automatically generate a need to modify ADA-related pedestrian accommodations. However, some controller replacements will lead to a need for such changes. For more information on this subject, see EPG 642.4 Impact of the Project Category on ADA.

902.22.1.2 Approved Products Lists and Equipment Evaluations

Support. MoDOT has developed an Approved Products List (APL) containing many items used in signals and lighting. The APL is based on equipment that meets department specifications and has been tested for a specified test period with satisfactory performance. This list helps MoDOT purchase reliable products for traffic signals and highway lighting. This list is included in the bid requests for applicable equipment purchases and is also included in construction contracts that include signals or lighting.

MoDOT frequently tests new products and equipment for signals. These new products can be installed on a construction project, purchased on parts orders or with controller orders. Only a limited number of units will be accepted for test statewide until an item is added to the approved products list.

Standard. All equipment evaluations are coordinated through Traffic and are reviewed by the Traffic Signal Quality Circle. The vendor supplying the equipment must fill out the New Product Evaluation Form and provide equipment specifications and a certification that the equipment meets MoDOT specifications before the test is performed. The equipment is tested for the period specified on the approved products list.

Option. Products that are not performing satisfactorily may be replaced at any time if the vendor cannot provide timely correction of the problem or if unsatisfactory operation of the intersection results.

Standard. Upon completion of the test, the district shall complete the Product Evaluation Form - Signal and Lighting Equipment and submit it to Traffic. The evaluation is reviewed by the Traffic Signal Quality Circle for addition to the APL or for rejection.

If a vendor is proposing a product that does not meet department specifications, the vendor shall provide a written explanation to Traffic of why the product does not meet the current specifications and why the product should be evaluated. If approved for evaluation, the product is tested for the specified period as described above. After evaluation and if the product is satisfactory, Traffic will consider making a recommendation to revise the applicable specifications. If specifications are not revised, then the products that does not meet specifications will not be added to the approved products list.

902.22.1.3 Experimental Equipment

Guidance. MoDOT often evaluates experimental equipment for traffic signals. Experimental equipment can be new products or products that vary considerably from our current standards or practices. The evaluation of experimental products can be initiated by district or Central Office staff, as part of a research project, as an implementation of an employee idea, etc.

The evaluation of experimental equipment for traffic signals is coordinated through Traffic and may involve other functional units such as Research. If the evaluation is part of a research project, then the project will provide guidelines for testing. Products can be evaluated in a similar manner to that described in EPG 902.22.1.2 Some items to consider before evaluating experimental equipment are as follows:

• What improvement will the equipment provide?
• Does the equipment conform to National and State standards?
• Is the equipment cost effective?
• Are funds available?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the equipment?
• How will the effectiveness of the equipment be tracked?
• What criteria will be used to determine if the equipment is satisfactory?

The Product Evaluation Form – Signal and Lighting Equipment can be used for evaluation of experimental equipment.

902.22.2 Annual Orders and District Signal and Lighting Equipment Purchases

Guidance. Highway Safety and Traffic Division will coordinate annual orders for signal and lighting equipment purchases. The intent of annual orders is to combine orders from all districts to develop larger quantities and to save duplication of work.

Standard. Annual orders are limited to items that will be purchased in larger quantities and can be bid competitively. For signal and lighting annual orders, it is important that only these types of items be included in the requests. Proprietary items, model specific replacement parts, and small quantity items are to be purchased at the district level.

Option. There are many common "off-the-shelf" items that can be purchased at local suppliers, saving time, and in many cases money. Traffic staff may ask the districts to order some items from annual orders on their own if it does not appear they will benefit from the annual order process.

Standard. District purchases are to follow General Services’ guidelines for purchasing.

Support. Some information that General Services might need to include in equipment bids are:

• Reference to the Standard Specifications (if applicable). Indicate the exact section that applies.

• Reference to the approved products list (if applicable). Include a copy of the current list.

• Supplemental specifications (if applicable). Include a copy of the specifications. An example is signal controller purchases. Traffic maintains supplemental purchase specifications for controllers and other items.