Intelligent Transportation System to Improve Traffic Signal Coordination Along Major Streets

AMES, Iowa - Installation of the City's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) continues on Monday, Oct. 28, weather permitting, with temporary lane closures along Grand Avenue, South Fourth Street, and Duff Avenue. This work focuses on installing fiber optic interconnect between the traffic signals and key City of Ames buildings as well as upgrading traffic signal equipment at certain intersections.

The first step will be utility locates, followed by boring crews installing conduit along the project corridor. Once a property has been flagged with utility locates, work should be complete within two to three weeks. After conduit is complete, handhole boxes will be installed, and connections will be made to traffic signal cabinets. Topsoil and grass restoration will take place after handhole boxes are set. Work is anticipated to begin on the north end of the project and work its way to the south. Additional work will occur in the winter.

ITS is a traffic efficiency project that uses underground fiber optic interconnect to allow traffic signals to "talk" to each other and to a central office. Traffic signals will use adaptive signal technology, which detects traffic volume and adjusts signal timing to optimize traffic flow through busy streets.

"ITS will transform our roads by enhancing traffic flow and reducing idling," said Civil Engineer Mark Gansen. "We are harnessing technology to optimize our busiest streets, and all users in our community benefit through cleaner, more efficient travel in Ames."

The project, funded by a grant from Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP), will be implemented over several years to connect more signals together.

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