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New traffic signals are being installed at the intersection of Arch Street and Railroad Avenue off Exit 3 in Greenwich, Conn. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021.

Heavy back-ups on exit 3 off I-95 into central Greenwich were cited as a safety concern by traffic engineers.

GREENWICH — Drivers coming off Exit 3 from Interstate 95 and Arch Street into central Greenwich in recent weeks have likely seen crews working on extendable ladders or digging trenches in the area.

The work is part of a long-awaited, and delayed, project to improve the flow of traffic through a number of congested intersections with state-of-the art software, cameras, traffic signals and communications equipment.

“The contractor is still in the process of installing overhead fiber optic cables. The crews will also need to install LED light bulbs for the traffic signals following the installation of the overhead fiber optic cables,” said Renee Wallace, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works.

The work should be completed in the spring, she said.

The $2.75 million upgrade is intended to get traffic in and out of Arch Street in a more efficient and timely manner, and to reduce the “stacking” of cars heading into Exit 3 during rush hour, according to engineers working on the project.

The work involves installing “smart” traffic lights at seven intersections on Arch Street and adjoining corners in central Greenwich.

While the traffic signals in the area have some “smart” features now, the upgraded lights will all be synchronized through an advanced computer program. The system adapts to traffic conditions in real time, according to engineers. Sensors in the traffic lights can determine how many vehicles are in line on one street, gather input from other intersections and then instantaneously work out the optimal flow of green lights to keep traffic moving.

Initially, the work was planned to be completed in 2018.

The light at the bottom of Exit 3, as well as the traffic signals around Arch Street, Railroad Avenue and Steamboat Road, are all part of the upgrades.

The new traffic signals are also being paired with new sidewalks and pedestrian improvements in the area. New signs are also part of the package.

Robert Marchant is a veteran newsman who covers public safety and public policy in Greenwich. Marchant holds a master's degree in history from Columbia University and is the author of a book on urban history.