Feb 26, 2008 11:28 pm US/Eastern
Traffic Problems Sparked by Power Outage
MIAMI (CBS4.com) ―
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Traffic problems were widespread in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
CBS
Traffic problems erupted in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties because of Tuesday's massive power outage. At one point in the afternoon, 1,000 traffic signals were out across both counties.
The rule is when traffic signals turn off, drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP had troopers deployed on major roadways to help alleviate the confusion over not having any traffic signals.
Adding to the congestion were school buses in Miami-Dade County that were delayed from picking up children because of the outage. Buses began traveling at a later hour, adding to rush-hour congestion.
Buses eventually returned to a schedule picking up and dropping off students.
As rush-hour began late Tuesday afternoon, there were more than 20 incidents or accidents or slow, heavily congested reports.
In the City of Doral, one backup system put in effect were generators at heavily congested intersections to get the lights operating. Utility Manager Erick Carrillo explained it was the first time he actually had to use it in a 'real-life' situation such as this.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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