09/04/2026
❓ WHAT IS THAT THING ❓
If you’ve been fortunate enough to drive through the 16th Ave W & 26th St W intersection (if you know, you know 🙃), you may have noticed a portable orange camera tower hanging out nearby.
So… what is it?
🚦 It’s a Traffic Count Trailer, and no, it’s not a Flock camera!
👀 What does it do?
This Traffic Count Trailer does exactly what its name suggests: it counts traffic and pedestrians.
It helps us collect information about how many vehicles and pedestrians are using the intersection and how they are using it.
And for those wondering:
🚫 It does not read license plates or collect any other personal data.
🤔 Why is it there?
We know this intersection is extremely busy. As part of the process to determine whether a traffic signal is warranted, the City needs to collect traffic counts and evaluate the data according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The MUTCD provides the national standards used for traffic signs, signals, pavement markings and other traffic control devices on roads open to public travel. These standards are published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Following these standards is important, including when federal funding is involved.
🎯 OUR GOAL
We’re collecting the information needed to determine whether a traffic signal is warranted at 16th Ave W & 26th St W.
If the traffic counts and other required criteria indicate additional traffic control measures are warranted, such as a lane reduction or traffic signal, the City Engineering department will start the planning and design process to identify available funding sources and timelines. 🚦
So the next time you see the orange tower, you’ll know exactly what that thing is! 😉
Comment below 👇 if there’s something else around Williston that has made you stop and think, “WHAT IS THAT THING?!”
We might just have to investigate… 🔎
