Antique traffic lights

I have noticed that the old traffic lights in Pittsburgh are being phased out and replaced with the ultra-modren, black traffic lights that are found throughout the suburbs. Here is an example of one of the old traffic lights that is still operating at the intersection of Butler St. and McCandless Ave.in Lawrenceville. Take note of the curved gantry that the signal hangs from. and the yellow graffiti-covered controller box on the pole that also used to hold up the overhead cables for the streetcars that used to operate along Butler St.

 Sometimes, the signals are just hanging from the wires that power them as these signals below. They are located at the same intersection as in the previous photograph.

One thing to note is the lack of dedicated pedestrian signals.

I think an effort should be made to preserve any of these traffic lights that are still functioning as of today. It is possible to retrofit the old signals with LED light bulbs and new controllers like those used with the SURTRAC system used in other East End neighborhoods. New pedestrian signals and buttons should be used to replace the smaller 3-way signals pointed at the crosswalks.