Seven major Pittsburgh-area corridors will get new 'adaptive signals' to improve traffic flow
Seven major traffic corridors in Allegheny County are being targeted for adaptive traffic signal systems, which can monitor traffic and allow for adjustments that improve the flow of vehicles.
The traffic systems are already being used on Route 19 in McCandless and Pine Township, and on Route 22 in Murrysville and Monroeville.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission said it has approved funding to put adaptive signals in the following areas:
- Washington Road and West Liberty Avenue - Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, City of Pittsburgh
- Washington Road - Upper St. Clair
- Banksville Road - City of Pittsburgh
- Route 51 (Clairton Boulevard) - Baldwin, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, Whitehall, City of Pittsburgh
- Route 88 (Library Road) - Castle Shannon, Bethel Park, City of Pittsburgh
- Freeport Road - Aspinwall, Blawnox, Sharpsburg, O'Hara Township, City of Pittsburgh
- Freeport Road and Indianola Road - Harmar Township
The SPC said a total of more than $34 million has been approved for the new adaptive traffic signals as well as the following local projects:
State Route 356 Corridor Improvements and State Route 356 Traffic Responsive Signal Upgrades; Buffalo and Butler Townships, Butler County:
Two separate projects will address corridor improvements and traffic signal upgrades along S.R. 356 in Butler County.
The S.R. 356 Corridor Improvements Project in Buffalo Township will increase mobility, accessibility and safety by adding a continuous two-way center left turn lane or dedicated left turn lanes where required, and replacing or upgrading existing traffic signals with adaptive or traffic responsive controls. This project also includes the expansion of the existing Park-n-Ride Lot near the Butler/Freeport Interchange of S.R. 356 and S.R. 28
The S.R. 356 Traffic Responsive Upgrade Project will study existing traffic patterns and upgrade signal control and detection platforms to incorporate traffic responsive systems along S.R. 356 from Moraine Pointe Drive to Campus Lane in Butler Township.
State Route 88 Corridor and Signal Enhancements; Borough of Charleroi, Washington County:
Replacement or removal of 15 deteriorated traffic signals along the separated State Route 88 Corridor (McKean and Fallowfield Avenues) in the Borough of Charleroi. The project will include all new modern signals, support poles and related equipment, coordination of all signals in the corridor, vehicle and pedestrian detection, emergency vehicle and railroad preemption, and ADA accommodations. All of these improvements will reduce delays and increase safety for all users of the transportation network.
Traffic Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator and Outreach Program; City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County:
A coordinated, city-wide TDM Coordinator will develop TDM strategies and work with existing Transportation Management Associations, business groups representing major employers, and organizations in emerging economic development clusters. The City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will deploy TDM strategies such as public education, outreach, marketing, promotions, and improved multimodal options to reduce peak-hour congestion and single occupancy vehicle trips, and achieve vehicle emission goals.
State Route 119 Corridor Improvements; City of Connellsville, Fayette County:
The upgrade or replacement of five traffic signals in the City of Connellsville, which will include improved vehicle detection and controller capabilities, increased ADA accommodations, and the implementation of timing coordination to promote efficient system management and operation.
Expansion of RideACTA Last Mile Service; Moon and Findlay Townships, Allegheny County:
The service expansion and technology upgrades will extend new service between the Allegheny County Port Authority’s University Boulevard Park-n-Ride Lot and employers and destinations along University Boulevard in Moon Township, and key employers in Findlay Township. CMAQ funding will also enable the innovative RideACTA shuttle service to introduce new technology upgrades that will improve efficiency of service for riders and reduce overall trip costs.
State Route 8 Main Street Signal Improvements; City of Butler, Butler County:
Traffic signal improvements along the S.R. 8 Main Street Corridor in Butler County from Penn Street to Pittsburgh Street. The project will increase the safety and operation of the corridor with improved signal capabilities, and accommodate the ongoing economic development through the City of Butler.
Interstate 376 (Parkway West) Banksville Interchange; City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County:
Funding to advance a significant congestion reduction, system reliability, and safety improvement project at the Banksville Interchange of the Parkway West (I-376). The latest traffic data shows this location to be the fifth highest congested area in Pennsylvania due to the bottleneck at the eastbound I-376/Banksville Interchange. The project will improve the current condition by eliminating weaving on eastbound I-376 within the Banksville Interchange and by improving the merge, diverge, and weaving movements on the ramps from S.R. 51 to I-376 West/Banksville Road. The bottleneck reduction strategies will build upon the improvements already completed on the Parkway West and will maintain the condition of the region’s Interstate network.