This project provides for the design and construction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic signals and signal systems including new and existing signals, reconstruction/replacement of aged and obsolete signals and components, auxiliary signs; accessible pedestrian signals (APS), upgrades of the County's centrally-controlled computerized traffic signal system, and communications and interconnect into the signal system. The planning, design and construction of school beacons will provide a remote connection for the beacons that enhances communication so that equipment monitoring and programming changes for the flashers may be accomplished faster and remotely without having to physically access the devices.

The growth in County population and vehicular registrations continues to produce increasing traffic volumes. Additionally, population growth results in the need for goods and services, contributing to higher vehicle volumes. The resulting increases raise traffic congestion levels and contribute to the increase in the number of vehicle crashes. Managing traffic growth and operations on the County transportation network requires a continued investment in the traffic signal system to increase intersection safety; accommodate changes in traffic patterns and roadway geometry; reduce intersection delays, energy consumption, and air pollution; and provide coordinated movement on arterial routes through effective traffic management and control by utilizing modern traffic signal technologies. Studies include the Traffic Signal Inspection and Assessment Program (2016), the Infrastructure Maintenance Task Force (2010), and the Pedestrian Safety Initiative (2007), which all identified traffic signals in need of life-cycle replacement as funding is available.

This project will help the County achieve its Vision Zero goals to reduce deaths and serious injuries on County roadways resulting from vehicle crashes to zero by 2030. Approximately 60 projects are completed annually by a combination of contractual and County work crews. One aspect of this project focuses on improving pedestrian walkability by creating a safe walking environment, utilizing selected engineering technologies, and ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. All new and reconstructed traffic signals are designed and constructed to include appropriate pedestrian features including crosswalks, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian/countdown pedestrian signals (APS/CPS), and applicable signing. Additionally, pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) are employed at midblock pedestrian crossings or designated intersections to provide a safe, protected crossing. A significant portion of the traffic signal work will continue to be in the central business districts and other commercial areas, where costs are higher due to more underground utilities and congested work areas. Likewise, new signals in outlying, developing areas are more expensive due to longer runs of communication cable. Since FY97, the fiber optic interconnection of traffic signals has been funded through the FiberNet project.

A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress. Expenditures will continue indefinitely. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Advanced Transportation Management System CIP (No. 509399), Verizon, FiberNet CIP (No. 509651), Maryland State Highway Administration, Pepco, Washington Gas and Light, WSSC Water, Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, and Citizens Advisory Boards, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission