Traffic signals across Contra Costa County are set to receive a major technology upgrade as part of a $30.8 million effort aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and coordination between local jurisdictions.
The project will modernize roughly 365 intersections throughout all 19 cities and towns in Contra Costa County, as well as unincorporated areas.
Officials say the upgrades will focus on major transportation corridors and are designed to help traffic signals communicate more effectively, reduce unnecessary delays, improve pedestrian and bicycle detection, and provide better tools for traffic management.
Depending on local needs, improvements could include synchronized traffic signals, emergency vehicle preemption, transit signal priority, upgraded pedestrian crossings, battery backup systems and enhanced communications networks. Initial work is expected to begin in Danville and Concord before expanding to other parts of the county.
CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile said the project will modernize aging traffic infrastructure and create a foundation for future traffic management improvements. Officials also said the system could help agencies better coordinate responses during emergencies and major events.
The project is funded through a combination of Measure J transportation sales tax revenue, local city contributions, and state and federal funding, including more than $7 million secured through federal transportation programs.
Construction and equipment upgrades are expected to continue in phases throughout the county over the coming years.
May we please see a list of those intersections?
I’m skeptical – I’ll believe it when I see it… things are way out of whack and feedback to the respective city transportation offices falls on deaf ears.
Welcome to your new SMART city…soon to be 15 minute city…monitored by Flock cameras at every intersection. You can see where these eyeballs are stationed here: https://deflock.org/
So does that mean they will get rid of the metering lights all the way down Ygnacio Valley Road?
Doubt it.
I remember when walnut creek said they “synchronized” the lights to make traffic flow better. That never happened or they did a piss poor job of it. Imo walnut creek doesn’t like traffic cutting through their town.
Conta Costa County needs to hire a Traffic Control Firm. I worked for a Company back in the 1980’s thought-out several Counties things were corrected with timing. It will sure save money and make commuters happier.
Well….. I already have to stop at nearly every signal light all over the county, I almost never catch a green light! (How do they know it’s me?)…. will the new lights get me 100% of the time now or will I get equal time?
I see they are planning to build thousands of new homes at the Navel Weapons Station. I hope they add more traffic capacity along with everything else.
Steve H.,
.
They say they will, but they really won’t.
Really hope it all works, fuel savings could be substantial.
.
This could get real interesting. Would serve them well if detection devices for
different conditions are standardized. DO NOT go for cheaper equipment, near
end of it’s product life cycle. Then there’s problem of integrating OR replacing
older legacy software and PLCs. An what manner of intercommunication
equipment, cellular or stand alone microwave network ? ? ?
.
Field built control cabinets should be avoided, standardized enclosures
and component back plate sizes should be used, allowing back plates to
be in-shop built, building it out and thoroughly testing in shop before it
goes out into the field.. Then do a one day rip-n-replace with new build
cabinet or back plate, reducing intersection downtime.
.
Electrical prints using a grid reference wire numbering system, that
will accommodate the most sensor intensive intersections.
.
Size control cabinets and back plates to allow future upgrade component
mounting.
.
Software should also as much as possible standardized, commenting out
code not needed ,for less complex intersections. Software system above all
MUST be able to adjust signals for ACTUAL speed of traffic.
.
FUBAR could well result if standardization of equipment, wire labeling
and software is not a priority. Intersection control system has to be
transparent on a cold rainy morning at 4 AM, to persons troubleshooting
and that absolutely includes, UP TO DATE set of as built plans, not an
old set of chicken scratched drawings with changes made, over
last eight years.
.
To managers of project, if any of this is not clear, have your software
programmers and field electricians explain it to you.
.
Retired industrial electrician, who specialized in heavy industrial
production line controls, process control equipment and PLC
upgrades.
It would be nice to get the traffic lights in Walnut Creek timed properly.
Awesome! I am excited to see how this project improves our city streets. Thank you for paying attention to this important issue.