SB Valley Coordinated Traffic Signal System Plan
In September 1999, the SANBAG Board of Directors authorized the development of a strategic plan for interconnecting and coordinating traffic signals in the San Bernardino valley area across jurisdictional boundaries. Study participants included the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland and Yucaipa; San Bernardino County; Caltrans District 8; and SANBAG.
Over a broad area, a system of coordinated traffic signals results in a 12 to 15 percent reduction in travel times and an associated reduction in fuel consumption, mobile source emissions, and rear-end collisions. Long term, the study recommends establishing Traffic Monitoring Centers with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol to operate and monitor the system throughout the valley.
The study objectives included preparing an inventory of existing signals, identifying potential corridors for signal synchronization, evaluating alternative interconnect and signal systems, and recommending an improvement program to coordinate traffic signals on a regional basis. To evaluate and prioritize the most effective system, 14 weighted factors were applied to 75 major streets to identify the highest priority corridors. Of the more than 1,200 existing and proposed near-term signals in the valley, nearly 1,000 were recommended for coordination; approximately 800 of these are on the Congestion Management Program (CMP) network of major streets.
A strategic plan was developed to synchronize these significant arterials. The cost of implementing this system is approximately $12 million. This cost includes the necessary communication links, computer hardware and software, and development of coordinated signal timing plans.
SANBAG recommended four phases or tiers for the program. Funding for the first two tiers was approved in February 2000 and December 2001 using Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. The remaining two tiers, estimated to cost $3 million each, are recommended for funding in the future.
Tiers 1 and 2 of the program began in February 2002 and July 2003, respectively. The Tier 1 program will improve and coordinate 299 signals on east-west major streets along Interstate 10 and Route 60 and north-south major streets that link or are adjacent to these freeways. Tier 2 of the program will improve and coordinate 294 signals along other major streets in the San Bernardino Valley. The first steps of this project included design of the signal interconnect components, developing a signal timing plan, and buying upgraded signal controllers and communication equipment. In August 2006, the Board of Directors awarded two construction contracts for Tier 1 and Tier 2. Board members approved a $1.7 million contract with Steiny & Company for Tier 1 and a $1.9 million contract with Republic Electric for Tier 2. Work will take 6-12 months to complete
SANBAG Contact
Andrea Zureick
Transportation Planning Analyst
Phone: (909) 884-8276
Fax: (909) 885-4407
Email: azureick@sanbag.ca.gov