See That Orange Tower in Williston? Here’s What It’s Really Doing

If you've recently driven through the 16th Avenue West and 26th Street West intersection Williston, you may have noticed a portable orange tower sitting nearby.

And if you've driven through that intersection before, you probably understand the little that comes with it.

So what exactly is that thing?

It's a Traffic Count Trailer, and despite the camera equipment, the City of Williston says it is not a Flock camera.

Get our free mobile app

Williston Traffic Camera

Williston Traffic Camera

What Is It Watching?

The traffic count trailer is there to do exactly what its name suggests: count traffic and pedestrians.

The equipment helps the city collect information about how many vehicles and pedestrians are using the intersection and how they're moving through the area.

And for anyone wondering about privacy, the city says the trailer does not read license plates or collect personal data.

So, no need to wonder if your vehicle is being added to some giant database every time you drive through.

Read More: How To Submit Art To Williston's Rotating Gallery

Could a Traffic Signal Be Coming?

That's the bigger question.

The intersection is extremely busy, and the city is collecting traffic counts as part of the process of determining whether a traffic signal is warranted at 16th Avenue West and 26th Street West.

The information collected will be evaluated using the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These are national standards published by the Federal Highway Administration that help determine how traffic signs, signals, pavement markings and other traffic control devices should be used.

Following those standards is especially important when federal funding could be involved.

The goal is to gather the information needed to determine whether additional traffic control measures are necessary.

If the traffic counts and other required criteria show that something needs to change, the City Engineering Department would then begin the planning and design process, including looking at potential funding sources and timelines.

So, the next time you're sitting at that intersection and spot the bright orange tower, you'll know what it's doing.

It's counting cars, counting pedestrians, and helping the city figure out what, if anything, should come next.