If your drive through Lone Tree feels a little smoother these days, that’s no coincidence. The City has been investing in smart, forward-thinking ways to tackle traffic congestion through its Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program. This project is another step toward Lone Tree’s goal of building a visionary transportation network that uses technology like adaptive traffic signals (ATS) to make every day commutes easier and more enjoyable for drivers.

Lone Tree’s initial exploration of ATS technology began in 2017. The goal was to move away from fixed, pre-set light cycles and let signals respond to what’s happening on the road. Instead of relying on old traffic patterns or static timing plans, ATS uses cameras and sensors to detect how many cars are approaching an intersection and adjusts the signal indications and green lights in real time. This means the system can react to changing conditions like heavy rush hour traffic or an unexpected slowdown helping reduce wait times, shorten signal cycles, and adjust the green light timing in real time to keep cars moving, meaning less time waiting at a red light.

In 2020, Lone Tree joined forces with the cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village to launch the first multi-jurisdictional adaptive signal project in the region. Together, the three cities upgraded the entire Yosemite Street corridor from Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree to Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village creating a connected system that allows traffic to flow more smoothly across municipal boundaries. Traffic along the Yosemite corridor had become a growing concern for everyone who used it. Instead of widening the road or adding more lanes, the cities decided to try a different approach. They turned to smart technology installing sensors and adaptive signal controls at intersections to help ease congestion, improve safety, and keep cars moving more efficiently through the corridor.

What began as a small pilot for Lone Tree has grown into one of the most advanced traffic systems in the region. This past October, Lone Tree activated nine additional fully adaptive traffic signals on the Park Meadows corridor and six more signals on RidgeGate Parkway, bringing the total to 44 adaptive intersections out of the City’s 62 signalized intersections. To date, the City has invested significant resources through various partnerships on the City’s adaptive traffic signal controls system with additional funding from partners. Plans are underway to connect the remaining 18 signals, pending annual budget appropriation.

Rooted in the City’s vision to provide and improve a multi-modal, safe, reliable and well-maintained transportation system, ATS has attributed to traffic moving smoother than ever along Lone Tree’s busiest corridors. Drivers are spending less time waiting at red lights, cars aren’t idling as long, and that means cleaner air for everyone. Behind the scenes, the City’s Public Works team is continually fine-tuning signal timing to keep traffic flowing seamlessly across local and shared roadways.

Adaptive traffic signals in Lone Tree have been made possible thanks to strong partnerships with Rampart Range Metro District, Park Meadows Metro District, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, and Denver South. The City is grateful for their continued partnership and shared commitment to making transportation in Lone Tree and our region better for everyone.

For more information, please email Public Works Operations Manager Steve Fletcher at steve.fletcher@cityoflonetree.com or call 303-662-8112.