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City of New York Electro-Mechanical Signal Controller
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I recently obtained this signal controller from General Traffic Equipment's shop
in Newburgh, New York. This was manufactured by Marbelite, and it is
the company's model M-30. Was most likely removed from service in January of this year. Works well.
Controls two phases and a special pedestrian sequence that is commonly known as the "Barnes dance."
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We also have some "Barnes Dance" crossings too, they were installed around 4 years ago.
Consider a two-phase signalized intersection as an example. Basically, all traffic signal indications for both phases are red, while pedestrians have the right-of-way.
The first word of the name is, of course, derived from Henry's last name. The next word is derived from the reactions of some pedestrians. When pedestrians were first introduced to this special movement, some were rather joyful. So joyful that some actually danced in the middle of a street.
Some drivers just don't give pedestrians a break when they want to cross a busy street. So, it is no surprise that some pedestrians were happy.
In the United States, traffic engineers are not exactly in favor of the "Barnes dance," mainly because it tends to create congestion at major signalized intersections. So, it is not too common to find in major cities.