DPW: CHCC intersection traffic lights still awaiting power reconnection

The Department of Public Works has confirmed that the traffic signals at the busy American Memorial Park-Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. intersection remain out of service as officials wait for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to reconnect power, even as motorists continue to navigate one of Saipan's busiest crossroads.

DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul said the delay stems from an electrical issue following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

"I've already asked [Homeland Security and Emergency Management] to have CUC prioritize. Apparently, although CUC re-energized the adjacent sewer lift station, the transformers are set to a voltage that is not suitable for the traffic light system," Yumul said. "The transformer servicing the traffic light system fell from the power pole which was located at the next pole just north of the sewer lift station."

The update came as DPW released its latest status report on Saipan's traffic signal network, showing that while most intersections have returned to normal operation, several major intersections remain either without service or operating in a limited mode following damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

According to DPW's June 27 traffic signal update, the American Memorial Park/CHCC intersection on Route 30 and Route 38 is still "Waiting on CUC Re-connection."

Other intersections awaiting CUC reconnection include the Northern Marianas College intersection, Shell Dan Dan, San Vicente, and Kagman traffic lights.

Three other intersections remain completely non-operational because of electronic component failures: Saddog Tasi, Marianas High School, and the Sugar Dock/Mount Carmel intersection.

Meanwhile, the Quarter Master/Beach Road intersection is operating only on flashing mode because of an electronic component failure.

DPW reported that the following intersections are operating normally: Saipan Ice/Lower Base, Puerto Rico, China Town, Beach Road/Bank of Guam, Sugar King, Quarter Master/Middle Road, former Atkins Kroll, IT&E/Middle Road, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Post Office, Chalan Piao/As Perdido, Guangdong Hardware, and Iglesia De Cristo/Airport Road.

DPW urged motorists to remain vigilant while traveling through intersections where traffic signals and school zone flashers remain out of service.

"The public is advised to continue exercising caution when traveling through intersections with non-functioning traffic lights and school zone flashers," the department said.