City installs reflective backplates to traffic lights along Highway 1 for improved safety

The City of Iowa City recently installed reflective backplates on all traffic signals along the Highway 1 corridor in Iowa City, from Riverside Drive west to Naples Avenue. This installation is part of an ongoing effort by the City of Iowa City and the Iowa DOT to enhance safety along the Highway 1 and 6 corridor.

The new backplates are retroreflective, a feature the Federal Highway Administration says can reduce crashes by up to 15% by improving driver awareness. During the day, the dark backplates provide contrast that can otherwise be diminished by sunlight or poor weather. At night, reflective borders make traffic signals more visible in low-light conditions.

Partial funding was provided by the IDOT, which manages both Highway 1 and Highway 6.

The City plans to include retroreflective backplates on all future traffic signal replacements and at new signalized intersections.