Systemic Countywide Signalized Intersection Improvements

 

Location

Countywide

City or County Responsible for Project

Ventura County Public Works Agency

Category

Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects

Description

The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) is responsible for maintaining 44 signalized intersections within the unincorporated county area. With a population of just under 1 million and growing VCPWA needed to update its old traffic signal equipment and communication system. Washed-out signal backplates were undetectable and outdated traffic signal equipment (i.e. dial up controllers) was unreliable and no longer supported. Installing high visibility signal backplates, video/radar detection cameras, high friction surface treatment (HFST), advanced traffic controllers, and wireless cellular modems will enhance the Ventura County road and traffic safety network. The Systemic Countywide Signalized Intersection Improvements (Project) is an innovative, environmentally sensitive, unremitting, reliable and cost-effective Project. The Project replaces weathered signal backplates with new yellow retroreflective border signal backplates for high visibility signalized intersections. New traffic signal hardware like advanced traffic controllers, hybrid detection cameras (video and radar), and wireless cellular modems improve traffic signal and communication system connectivity to/from VCPWA Traffic Management Center (TMC). This Project also included the installation of HFST applied to County roads with speeds over 35 MPH to reduce rear end and T-bone vehicle collisions. With its wireless capability, the new traffic signal and communication system allows for a remote connection and coordination of traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion/delays which decreases emissions/greenhouse gas as well as can be extremely useful in a disaster/emergency response effort. The Project encourages future hardware/software upgrades to accommodate traffic growth and functionality of adaptive corridors. It is a cost-effective solution to make real time signal adjustments for special events/rolling blackouts and the ability for staff to remote and download data in lieu of driving across the unincorporated county area. Strong support can from Ventura County Transportation Commission, California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, and neighboring Cities. This project has provided a modern traffic signal and communication system to continue to serve as a regional provider. The Project was primarily funded with Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 State funding as well as local Road Funds totaling a project cost of approximately $8,700,000.