TILDEN, Texas — Last week the Texas Department of Transportation activated an upgraded traffic signal at the intersection of state Highway 16 and state Highway 72 in Tilden, replacing flashing beacons with complete traffic signals.
The $131,371 upgrade includes mast arm-mounted signals controlled by radar that will regulate traffic flow – including traffic in the left-turn lanes. Pedestrian signals have been built to help safe crossing of the roadway. TxDOT will maintain the signal.
“These new traffic signals will greatly enhance the safety of this downtown area,” TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat said. “This intersection is the hub of activity in Tilden, and we want to ensure everyone traveling here – by vehicle or on foot – can do so safely and comfortably. We think this intersection will do just that.”
The signals were activated Thursday, Jan. 24, after a week of the change being posted at the intersection itself. In October the intersection of SH 16 and SH 72 West – located a little more than a half-mile north of the downtown Tilden intersection – was also upgraded to a full signal. That upgrade cost $113,949.