A new project began in January of this year – the implementation of a Centralized Traffic Management System that will eventually sync most traffic signals in town.
“We’re implementing what’s called adaptive traffic signal operations, so that’s kind of the next level in terms of operating efficiency,” said Deputy Engineer with the City of Naperville, Andy Hynes. “It’s something that’s been implemented quite a bit on the east and west coast, not a lot in the Midwest.”
As one of the first systems in our area, the rollout is being done in three phases along Washington Street. Phase one involved installing fiber optic cables and updating signal software. Now we are in phase two, where crews are installing detection devices, creating rolling lane closures for the next few months.
Eventually, these updates should help traffic flow and cut down on emissions.
“We know we’re not going to be able to add any lanes along Washington Street for the most part, so we’re trying to use technology to maximize the efficiency of the system,” added Hynes.
Currently the project is focused just on Washington Street, with plans to expand to 75th Street. Eventually phase three could include all of Naperville, something that may take over 10 years to complete.
The cost of the second phase of construction is just under $1 million, with a federal grant covering 75 percent of that bill.
Naperville News 17’s Evan Summers reports.
