Adaptive Traffic Signal Technology
Date:
September 1, 2026
Prepared by:
Jason Stack
STC Traffic, Inc
1City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology
Introduction
• Jason Stack, TE, PTOE
• As Needed Traffic Engineering Services, July 2026
• ATMS Study and Arterial Corridors Improvement Program City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 2
Presentation Agenda
• Purpose and Need
• Technology Approach
• Traffic Systems Pyramid
• Technology Benefits
• Implementation Status
• Next Steps
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 3
Purpose and Need
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 4
Traffic Conditions
• Freeway Access
• Arterial Network
• Espola Road
• Poway Road
• Twin Peaks Road
• Pomerado Road
• Community Road
• Scripps Poway Parkway
• Commuter Traffic
• School Periods
• 56 Traffic Signals
Purpose and Need
Typical Daily Traffic Profile
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 5
Purpose and Need
Fully Utilize Recent Technology Improvements
• Upgraded legacy communication from serial to IP
• Modems replaced with switches (40 locations)
• Upgraded 170 to 2070 controllers (47 locations)
• Controller software upgrades
• New ATMS implemented
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 6
Technology Approach
Leverage Technology
• Match Tech with Conditions and Complexities
• Ad-Hoc Approach to Systemic Approach
• Force Multiplier
• Safety and Efficiency
• High Return on Investment
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 7
Reactive
Proactive
Traffic Signal System Pyramid
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 8
HiT ech
Management
Communications
Control
Detection
Basic Operation
(Free)
Coordinated
Operation
Adaptive Operation
Traffic Signal System
Pyramid
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 9
Foundational Improvements
Loops Video
Controller
5G Cell
ATMS and
Adaptive
HiT ech
Management
Communications
Control
Detection
Switch
Technology Benefits
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 10
Example
• Temecula – Winchester Rd
• Many Others
Technology Benefits
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 11
Expectations
• More greens vs reds
• Stops where expected
• Reduced travel time
• Peak period congestion
management
• Off-peak flexibility
• Establish the baseline
Adaptive Implementation Status
-
Espola
Road
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 12
• Deployed on Espola Road in July 2026
• 8 intersections from Summerfield Lane to Twin Peaks
Road
• Traffic team continuing to monitor the corridor and
adjust the signals when needed.
• Recent Adjustments
• Mid-day schedule adjustment to “free” mode
• Extend the potential green timing for left turns from Espola Road to Valle Verde north for AM school traffic
• Extend potential green timing on Espola Road at Del
Poniente / High Valley Road intersection to help
reduce the northbound school traffic backup that
accumulates in AM down to Twin Peaks Road
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 13
Next Steps
–
Poway Road
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 14
Phase 1: Poway Road arterial assessment
Phase 2: Remaining arterial assessments
Phase 3: Poway Road arterial implementation
Phase 4: Remaining arterial implementations
Data
Collection Analysis Report ATMS Street Operation and
Performance
Assess
2 to 3 Months
Implement
3 to 6 Months
Questions
Thank You!
City of Poway – Traffic Signal T echnology 15