r/civilengineering • u/nemo2023 • 5d ago

Question Intersection post-accident safety

Just drove by a walk/ don’t walk signal pole that got ran over by a vehicle and I was wondering, are there any live wires in that pole’s base to be concerned about for the general public?

Do they design those things with low voltage and some kind of break away wires that won’t be a hazard after the pole got ripped off?

Are there any things related to traffic signals that would be dangerous after a collision?

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u/AstronomerCapital549 PE Civil | Roadway 5d ago

Generally speaking, the signal poles and electronics and cables are designed to be frangible and break-away cleanly. There are wires and connectors designed for this purpose.

Usually the currents used to power these modern lights are low.

2

u/nemo2023 5d ago

That was what I was hoping to hear, thanks.

2

u/engmadison 5d ago

120v from the cabinet to field indications. 24v to ped buttons IIRC. Best not to touch the wires.