Signal planned for Tapo Canyon-Township corner

The Simi Valley Department of Public Works awarded a $173,062 construction contract last week to build a new traffic signal at the intersection of Tapo Canyon Road and Township Avenue.

Los Angelesbased contractor Steiny and Co., Inc. will begin construction of the signal in mid-June. The firm anticipates completion of the project by early August.

Ron Fuchiwaki, director of public works, said the department conducts an annual study of intersections throughout the city to see which ones may need new traffic signals. In some cases, certain intersections are reviewed because of citizen inquiries.

"We compare all the data we collect to specific guidelines for the installation of traffic signals," Fuchiwaki said. "In this case, the intersection of Tapo Canyon Road and Township Avenue met the guidelines."

For fiscal year 2007-08, the city of Simi Valley set aside a total of $325,000 for the construction of new traffic signals, part of the streets and roads program- a capital improvement project comprising $7.9 million of the city's total budget.

Fuchiwaki said the department does not plan to use the remaining money to build any other signals under the current program. A new streets and roads plan for fiscal year 2008-09 will be released next month.

- Darleen Principe