Snow-Covered Stoplights Raise Questions, Risks to Motorists

They look the same as their older, incandescent counterparts, but the recent snowstorm has revealed a major flaw in Muskego's stoplights, which are LED. The lower-energy lights emit less heat, and therefore don't melt snow that packs onto the lenses, leaving the intersections basically blind. It's not a problem unique to Muskego, but it got noticed by some of you.

Several readers raised the issue on Friday and Saturday, noting that the Martin Drive and Janesville Road intersection, as well as the Moorland Road and Janesville Road lights were affected. 

By Saturday, we spotted a Muskego Police officer wielding a 15-foot pole at the intersection of Tess Corners Drive and Janesville Road, attempting to knock the white stuff off of the lights. Catching up after the holidays with the police department, Muskego Patch learned that MPD does have the job of clearing the lights, but only when the Waukesha County DPW can't get to it. 

The snag is that generally road clearing will take precedence at the county level, and like Muskego's DPW, doesn't generally work on the weekends unless emergencies like road clearing is required. So, light clearing falls back on the city as soon as it can get to it.

MPD officials say they understand the risks to safety, but attempt to respond to the need as soon as they can. 

So, is there a fix in the works for the current lights? Should we expect more of the same from the new lights? Muskego Patch attempted to contact someone at the Department of Public Works and then the Highway Department at the county, but head engineer Don Evans and project manager Ed Hinrichs are out for the duration of the holiday, so it seems like the answers will have to wait until the new year.

Until then, the lights are again clear, but it should be noted there's more snow coming on Friday night; drive carefully!