UPDATE: For the last few months, Lone Tree’s Public Works Department has been busy installing new technology at various access points along Yosemite Street, including advanced detection systems using pods in the roadways and new cameras to observe real time traffic patterns and volumes at intersections. Over the next several weeks, Public Works will be testing and running timing plans to optimize this technology. Staff will also be coordinating with the cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village to “turn-on” the entire corridor by the end of August, as planned. Once complete, the adaptive signal system will be able to adjust signal timing in real time and prioritize the movement of traffic based on live traffic volumes meaning less time waiting at a red light.
Determined to tackle traffic congestion with innovative technology, the City of Lone Tree, along with the cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village, has begun installing new Smart technology to implement a cross-jurisdictional approach to managing and reducing traffic congestion.
“Traffic and congestion do not recognize municipal boundaries and neither do drivers, so a regional solution was required,” said Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet. “Lone Tree looks forward to employing innovative, smart technology in collaboration with our partners to provide real solutions for our communities.”
Specifically, the cities are working to create a connected, data-driven, multi-jurisdictional 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 at traffic signals.
“We are very excited to see the improvements to traffic flow for all users once it is complete,” said Lone Tree Public Works and Mobility Director Justin Schmitz. “This is the first known multi-jurisdictional partnership to enable adaptive signal technology, and we’re very grateful to have the support and collaboration of our neighbors – the cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village.”
Data was collected over several months in Lone Tree and Centennial through a partnership with Blyncsy, a private sensor vendor, to monitor traffic and collect volumes, travel times and delays, which is the time spent waiting at a signal. Meanwhile, Greenwood Village collected its own data through similar sensors already in place. The data collected is providing critical assistance as the adaptive signal technology is installed over the next few months on Yosemite Street.
“The data that is being collected through the sensors positions this project to be very successful in mitigating traffic,” said Schmitz. “Unlike traditional traffic signal systems, these adaptive traffic signals will be adjusting in real time to reduce travel times and delays thanks to the extensive data we’ve collected.”
Lone Tree has also been actively installing access points and advanced detection systems at many of the 21 intersections included as part of the project. All this work is being performed by City staff and the City’s contracted street maintenance crew.
Over the next several weeks, the City of Lone Tree will be completing the installation of all cameras, sensors and work in the signal cabinets. Once installation is complete, City staff will begin testing and running timing plans to optimize the system. Staff will also be coordinating with cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village to “turn-on” the entire corridor this summer as planned.
“In Lone Tree, we pride ourselves in being innovative and forward thinking as we tackle traffic congestion in our community,” said Millet. “This project further exemplifies the City’s commitment to striving to be a national model for our visionary transportation network, and we couldn’t have done it without our partners.
Once complete, the adaptive signal system will be able to adjust signal timing in real time and prioritize the movement of traffic based on live traffic volumes meaning less time waiting at a red light.