As you wait at any intersection in downtown Bethesda for the signals to change, you might not know that all those signals are controlled by a complex set of electronic components housed just steps away in a big metal box.
Called signal boxes, these structures are managed by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Their function: to ensure traffic flows seamlessly.
The systems in those signal boxes actually decrease traffic congestion, help prevent rear-end collisions, and increase rush-hour travel speeds by 14-20%.
Each box is hardwired into the traffic and pedestrian signals at its designated intersection.
That’s why — despite the occasional requests we receive from people asking us to get those boxes out of their sight by moving them into nearby neighborhoods — they must remain right where they are.
Simply put: no signal box, no signals. They’re a package deal.
The unadorned boxes are pretty unattractive, though. Or, at least they were…until the Bethesda Urban Partnership (BUP) decided to transform these otherwise blah boxes of vital infrastructure into street art.
“We are thrilled to bring more public art to downtown Bethesda with the support of Montgomery County, the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and our generous sponsors,” explained BUP Director of Marketing & Communications Stephanie Coppula. “Adorning 15 signal boxes with artwork provided an opportunity to showcase artists from our region while also beautifying our community.”
BUP’s team selected 15 original designs from local artists, then had them printed on vinyl and "wrapped" around the traffic signal boxes at intersections throughout downtown Bethesda.
Check out the Signal Box Public Art Project page on BUP’s website for a full list of the artists and sponsors, and a map to all of the signal box locations.
