STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: March 26, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Roberts, Public Works Director/City Engineer SUBJECT: Contra Costa Countywide Smart Signals Project RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council receive a presentation from Contra Costa County Transportation Authority (CCTA) Planning Director John Hoang on the Contra Costa Countywide Smart Signals Project including within the City of Hercules and discuss the information provided.
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is leading a Smart Signals Project to upgrade traffic signals at 328 intersections throughout the 19 cities and unincorporated communities within Contra Costa County. This work is focused along major arterials that have been designated Routes of Regional Significance. In Hercules, San Pablo Avenue is the designated Route of Regional Significance and the signals that would receive upgrades include Victoria Crescent East, John Muir Parkway, Market Drive, Sycamore Avenue, and Hercules Avenue.
Currently existing traffic signals within Contra Costa lack proper communications tools (like fiber or ethernet), preventing synchronization and coordination between signals. Additionally, most modern signal systems need Signal Control and Prioritization technology that can help transit vehicles and alternative modes such as bikes and shuttles move through intersections safely and efficiently.
The benefits of Smarter Signals includes:
Safer Roads: Better emergency response time, easier management of incidents by first responders and law enforcement, and reduction of secondary incidents due to video analytics that can identify near-miss situations.
Smoother Travel: Synchronized, responsive signals can reduce idling at red lights, improve speed management, decrease travel delays, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase transit reliability.
Better Traffic Management: Cities will have access to real-time data that allows for optimization of traffic during incidents, evacuations or other major events. Cities will be able to prioritize transit and emergency vehicles as needed.
ANALYSIS:
This section of the staff report is covered in the attached presentation which will be elaborated upon in the verbal presentation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 3 that CCTA secured for the construction of the Countywide Smart Signals project will fund $567,597 of the total cost of the improvements in Hercules while the City would be responsible for the remaining 11.47% grant match of $65,091.
ATTACHMENTS:
Presentation