Hey, there! Log in / Register
Newton transformer suffers meltdown, takes local power grid down with it
Support Universal Hub
Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) contribution.
Comments
Traffic lights were out
It affected a lot of busy intersections since traffic lights were out over a large area. Driving to my optometrist's office was an unexpected adventure.
In other parts of the country
In other parts of the country, traffic lights have battery backup.
I've known some lights around here that are timed so badly that traffic flowed BETTER when they went dark during a power outage.
Not sure it's a timing issue
I think people are just more cautious *and* more collaborative when the traffic lights go out -- leading to good turn-taking and not blocking the intersection (since they're not trying to beat the light).
I don't know that it would actually last if the lights were simply removed. :-)
In other parts of the country
In other parts of the country, lights are timed well, and throughput depends on that. Never mind a total outage -- a broken sensor or loss of synchronization would have obvious negative effects.
Here, a working sensor or a pair of synchronized lights is a very rare oddity. Remember this the next time you (or the bus you're riding) are sitting at a long red light on the main street while the side street has a long green nobody is using, along with solid hands all around for pedestrians. Or you get a green, only to have the next light turn red in your face.
Hosmer or Homer Street?
The tweet that you linked to says Homer Street, which is where the Newton public library is located.
Fixed
I misread, sorry about that.
d'oh!
d'oh!
The Real Question is...
Why is there a Transformer in Newton at all?
Is there an impending Decepticon invasion?
be aware. robots in disguise. roll out.