I'm hopeful that this cost figure is a result of a journalist getting details almost right as they so often do. In my local town, I've heard a figure of $100,0

I'm hopeful that this cost figure is a result of a journalist getting details almost right as they so often do. In my local town, I've heard a figure of $100,000 to install a new light. If we assume similar costs in this case that's $3,300 per year right there and we still haven't powered it on or put any money into monitoring it nor maintaining it. The systems in place for monitoring are largely a fixed cost across all of the traffic lights in the city. I can only guess that maintenance costs are lower with newer lights and increase with age. If the number quoted in the article includes the initial outlay to erect the signal, then I don't see the 30 year cost being that out of line. If that cost is truly only maintenance and operation, then it does seem quite excessive.