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November 9, 2009

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Traffic-signal system made Y2K-ready

Thursday, July 15, 1999 | 9:56 a.m.

To avoid any Jan. 1, 2000, problems with traffic signals, officials of the Las Vegas Area Computer Traffic System have been testing the computerized system that controls timing for nearly 500 signals.

The software program has been modified to extend the range of calendar dates the computer could handle to 60 years, from 1971 to 2031.

System clocks were then set ahead 28 years to convince the computer that it is July 2027. That year was selected because the calendar days correspond exactly to the weekdays in 1999, the department said, adding that timing patterns for weekend and weekday traffic differ.

Testing began in May and is still under way. The system will continue to operate in the 2027 mode until later this year.

A manufacturer-approved "Y2K compliant" system upgrade will be phased into various signals in the valley. Some of the signals will be in working order before the year's end.

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