Mesa City Council approves 3-year contract for traffic signal batteries

The Mesa City Council unanimously approved a three-year contract to purchase batteries for traffic signals for the city’s Transportation Department at the Dec. 2 meeting.

According to council documents, the contract will allow for the city to purchase replacement batteries and remote battery monitor systems used for traffic signals. Mesa maintains more than 200 battery backup systems at most major intersections in case of a power outage.

“Batteries supply DC power to the inverter that provides AC power to the traffic signal cabinet in the event of a power outage. Remote Battery Management Systems provide a real-time evaluation of the battery health such as voltages, temperatures and internal battery resistance,” the council document said.

Out of multiple bidders, the Transportation Department recommended awarding the contract to Sierra Transportation and Technologies LLC. at $142,000 annually. The contract will be termed for three years with a two-year renewal option, funded by the Transportation Department’s operating budget.