Denver South is thrilled about the innovative work our partners are doing in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) space. Last week the City of Centennial announced its recent recognition by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter for its adaptive traffic control system along the Yosemite Street corridor. Developed as a partnership between the City of Centennial, Greenwood Village, City of Lone Tree – with support from Denver South – this project highlights the pioneering and collaborative spirit of the South I-25 Corridor.
So what are Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)? As one of Denver South’s key priority areas, ITS initiatives aim to enhance traffic flows and roadway efficiencies through advanced technologies. Think data, algorithms, coding, smart signal timing, and connected infrastructure to help you get from point A to point B faster. Reducing travel and idling times also helps to reduce emissions and improve air quality. We’re proud to work with our partners as we identify novel solutions to the age-old traffic jam.
For more information on the project, please check out the City of Centennial’s press release below. Have big ideas for how to address our transportation and mobility issues? Please reach out to me directly at daniel@denver-south.com.
November 5, 2021
Contact: Allison Wittern, 303-754-3443
Centennial, Greenwood Village and Lone Tree implement adaptive traffic control system
In 2020, the cities of Centennial, Lone Tree and Greenwood Village launched the first multi-jurisdictional coordinated adaptive signal project in the region. This new smart system signal technology allows for a more connected, data-driven, traffic management plan for the Yosemite Street Corridor between Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree and Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village, that promotes efficient and safe traffic flow through the installation of sensors and adaptive signal controls at traffic signals.
A collaborative effort with Greenwood Village and Lone Tree, which implemented a similar adaptive control system in their portions of Yosemite Street to the north and south of the Centennial city limits. Dozens of intersections along the Yosemite Street corridor are equipped with new advanced detection systems and new camera technology.
The City of Centennial was recently recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter for implementing this technology and extending the adaptive traffic signal control beyond Centennial city limits in the award category of Operations/Maintenance.
“In addition to the future ready traffic control technology, the collaboration with Greenwood Village and Lone Tree ensured the success of this project. Without their participation the benefits of this proactive method of managing traffic would end at the city limits,” says Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko. “The City of Centennial prides itself on being effective and efficient in providing the best possible service to our citizens.”
Through the implementation of an adaptive traffic control system in Yosemite Street, traffic is moving more efficiently with less congestion through the reduction in traffic signal cycle lengths and increases in the number of vehicles arriving at traffic signals on a green light, or in essence, reducing travel time in Yosemite Street and stop time at traffic signals. Traditional traffic signal control systems use time-based signal coordination plans developed from static or historical traffic volumes. Whereas adaptive traffic signal control uses real-time traffic count data to adjust signal timing and coordination to adapt to current traffic conditions, the benefits of which are most evident during “unplanned” traffic incidents. These benefits can be measured in the changes in traffic signal cycle lengths and the percentage of traffic arriving on green at a traffic signal.
While the APWA award is specific to the adaptive signal technology implemented by the cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village, it is important to note the partnership with the city of Lone Tree on the installation of sensors across the three jurisdictions was integral to this project.
