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Adaptive Traffic Signal Control

The Adaptive Traffic Signal Control project upgrades traffic signal technology to optimize signal operation and traffic flow to enable more efficient signal operations and allow real-time adjustments to signals along major traffic corridors.
Page updated on December 28, 2023 at 11:59 AM

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What is Adaptive Traffic Signal Control?

Adaptive traffic signals detect and respond to real-time travel conditions. Cameras are used to detect the size of queues waiting for a signal, and a central "brain" uses this information to decrease your wait and ensure efficient timing for vehicles all the way down the corridor. Alexandria's current traffic signal system works on a pre-programmed schedule, changing the traffic signals according to the time of day. This project will help the city better respond to unexpected disruptions and empower a smoother travel experience for drivers, buses, and emergency vehicles.

The Adaptive Traffic Signal Control (Adaptive) project will:

  • Upgrade traffic signal software
  • Implement new traffic signal controllers for consistent infrastructure Citywide and to integrate with future autonomous vehicles
  • Deploy vehicle sensors to allow traffic signals to adapt to changing traffic conditions. 
Guiding Principles Driving This Project •	Mobility - Improve accessibility and transportation options for residents and visitors of all abilities  •	Safety - Eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all  •	Traffic Management - Optimize traffic flow on City streets, improving travel times and reducing congestion.  •	Forward Looking - Proactively plan for emerging and future transportation technologies

Guiding Principles Driving This Project

  • Mobility - Improve accessibility and transportation options for residents and visitors of all abilities
  • Safety - Eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all
  • Traffic Management - Optimize traffic flow on City streets, improving travel times and reducing congestion.
  • Forward Looking - Proactively plan for emerging and future transportation technologies

Project Background

The Adaptive Project was initiated several years ago when navigation apps started dynamically changing traffic patterns, reducing predictability. The City applied for and was awarded more than $14.5 million funding to implement this project in two phases. In Phase 1, the traffic signals along Van Dorn Street and Duke Street will be placed under adaptive control. Phase II of the project will expand the number of adaptive traffic signals and harmonize signal control with navigation apps and autonomous vehicles, possibly deploying artificial intelligence, and predicting short-term traffic.

Signal intersections

Click here to see the latest traffic signal intersections 

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