MDOT changes signals on freeway lights: now yellow with black plates

The Michigan Department of Transportation has reversed its decision to allow black traffic signal housings at the Belleville Road I-94 free-way ramps, according to Susan Ireland, executive director of the Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority.
As a result, MDOT was out on Saturday, Nov. 15, to remove the black signals, and replace them with yellow signals that have back plates.
MDOT’s typical standards require that traffic signals be yellow, Ireland said. However, as part of the road and signalization improvements recently undertaken by the VBT DDA an MDOT official signed off on the DDA’s desired black signal housings, allowing them to be installed.
Upon further review, MDOT determined that the color variance was granted in error, and is now requiring the signals to conform. Because MDOT formerly approved the black signals, the replacements will be done at no additional cost to the DDA, Ireland said.
The DDA had asked for the signals to be black to enhance the overall appearance of the Belleville Road streetscape, however ultimately the roads are under the control of MDOT and Wayne County, not the township, Ireland said.