News & Events

Title: Press Release - September 13, 2007

Abstract:

Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Project

Description:

Mayor Mark Stricker of Matteson, Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), announced a $1 million federal grant that will be used to provide an Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Program in 17 participating communities at approximately 140 project intersections in the southland. Mayor Stricker stated that “This technology will provide safe routes for emergency vehicles to respond faster and safer in emergency service while at the same time providing a level of protection to the traveling general public.” East Hazel Crest, IL (September 13, 2007): South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SMMA) is using over $1,000,000 in federal funds to improve safety for emergency vehicles and the travelling public as part of the 2007 Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Project. EVP utilizes current technology whereby a sensor (to be installed or upgraded) on traffic signals detects a device in an approaching emergency vehicle prompting the traffic light to turn green allowing the vehicle to safely proceed through the intersection. The addition of EVP reduces emergency response time, serves the public more effectively, and improves the overall travelling safety. Robinson Engineering, Ltd., along with SSMMA, conducted a progress meeting on September 6 that was attended by representatives from participating communities to report on the schedule and scope of the program. The design engineering, construction observation, and inspection will be performed according to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. “This is the third time we have been involved in a program to provide Emergency Vehicle Preemption in the southland. Our current program is larger than the other two combined and will provide the ability for emergency services to get to their destinations faster and more safely, while providing a vital life saving service and protecting the general traveling public.” -Mayor Mark Stricker Calumet City serves as the Lead Agency on this council-funded project and is joined by other participating municipalities, including the Cities of Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, and Oak Forest and the Villages of Calumet Park, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Midlothian, Posen, Riverdale, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, Steger, and Thornton. Robinson Engineering, Ltd., currently in the design phase of the project, is the appointed municipal engineer for 10 of the 17 participating communities, representing many for over 40 years, and has provided engineering services for other communities involved in the program. Robinson Engineering Project Manager, Mr. Michael R. Spolar, P.E., has significant experience in the successful implementation of multiple EVP Programs and worked for SSMMA on the 1995 and 1997 Federally Funded EVP Programs. Ms. Patricia Barker, P.E., Lead Project Coordinator, has twenty years experience in handling major traffic improvement projects. “Robinson Engineering is thrilled to work on such a significant safety project for the south suburban region,” says Spolar. The actual construction for the 2007 EVP Program is slotted to begin mid to late 2008. About Robinson Engineering, LTD. (REL): Serving the Chicago area since 1937, REL is a professional civil engineering firm specializing in municipal transportation, water and sewer systems, floodplain and storm water management, land surveying, geographic information systems, community mapping and construction layout, and inspection services. To learn more about REL, visit www.reltd.com or call (708) 331-6700. REL headquarters are located in South Holland, Illinois, with additional offices in Frankfort, Ottawa, and Minooka, Illinois, and Merrillville and Gary Indiana. About South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA): Located south of the City of Chicago, SSMMA is an intergovernmental agency providing technical assistance and joint services to 42 municipalities representing a population over 650,000 in Cook and Will Counties. SSMMA members work cooperatively on transportation, legislation, land use, economic development, recycling, purchasing, stormwater and open space planning, infrastructure, human resources, public safety and housing issues. To learn more about SSMMA, visit http://www.ssmma.org

Contact: Patricia K. Barker, P.E., Senior Project Manager