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8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Maple Ave and Nutley St Traffic Signal Improvement Project
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BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The traffic signal improvement project is the number three 2025 Town Council top priority. A Town Council Work Session is being held to provide information about the project, a construction status update, and discussion.
OVERVIEW:
The Traffic Signal Improvement project with the new Autoscope Vision video cameras, Transparity Traffic Management System (TMS) software, and adaptive signal control strategies will allow the Town to better manage congestion and enhance traffic flow in real-time. With the new system in place, the Town will be able to:
• monitor traffic conditions in real time and adjust immediately as necessary from a centralized location
• modify phase sequence and patterns systemwide or at individual intersections in response to specific traffic conditions
• optimize traffic flow with technology that can automatically self-adjust signal timings
• proactively analyze performance and trends
• make modifications at problem areas to reduce vehicle delay and queueing and provide better chances for “arrival on green” (a significant volume of traffic arriving at an intersection during the green phase indicates that timing between signals is well coordinated)
• make adjustments for morning and evening peak periods.
The $2.8M construction project with Richardson-Wayland Ferreira Electric Co. began in early 2024. Substantial completion is expected in August and this is when the system will be operationally tested and phased into service. Estimated final completion and implementation is in the Fall of 2025. Our Transportation Engineer, Andrew Jinks, is the Project Manager and our design consultant, WRA, is our Construction Manager. Additionally, DPW’s traffic engineering team who will operate and maintain the new system is involved to help ensure a seamless transition.
The project includes 14 intersections with a total of 118 new signal heads (aka traffic lights/stop lights) and 37 pedestrian crossing signal heads, 8 new poles, street signs, fiber optic communications infrastructure, camera detection devices, signal controllers and cabinets, wireless and radio equipment, and software that will all be integrated as a system and operationally tested without impacting traffic and pedestrian crossings. The 18 month construction timeline includes coordination with VDOT, Dominion Energy, NOVA Parks and property owners, along with supply chain challenges for cabinets, electrical equipment, poles, and mast arms that had a 6-month lead time and supply chain challenges during procurement.
Most construction work is being done overnight to avoid traffic impacts. Construction status details are as follows:
• 75% of the signal heads have been replaced. The new signals look similar, but one can tell by noticing the high-visibility backplates (the yellow reflective boarder around the edge of the backplate). The signals with three light heads were replaced first, and the larger signal heads are currently being replaced. You will also notice covers over some of the new pedestrian signals.
• The new cameras/detection devices, signs, and cabinets are in progress and typically being installed at night.
• There has been noticeable activity at the two full rebuilds as the poles/mast arms with long lead times have recently arrived.
o Follin/Maple - All poles and mast arms have been delivered and all poles have been installed. Mast arms and new signals heads will be installed in May/June.
o Nutley/Tapawingo - All poles and mast arms have been delivered and all poles been installed. Mast arms and new signals heads will be installed in May/June.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
Staff are providing a work session presentation.
RECOMMENDATION:
None. For Informational Purposes and Town Council consideration.