RTOP expansion to enhance traffic signal operations in Mobile County and City of Mobile

Starting August 14, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the City of Mobile, and Mobile County will launch a major upgrade to the traffic signal infrastructure in the Mobile area. As part of the Regional Traffic Operations Program (RTOP), this initiative will see the deployment of new controllers and hardware to 174 traffic signals.

Project Goal:

One of the challenges with the current signal hardware today is engineers are not aware of when a signal simply isn’t functioning as it should. This inability to be informed causes delays to users and at times, can create safety issues. Upon completion of this project, signal engineers will be able to monitor and operate signals in coordination with each other from a joint operations center in real- time. These upgrades will enable engineers to efficiently operate signals for special events such as University of South Alabama football games, Mardi Gras, parades, concerts, conferences, and more across the region as well as know when issues occur immediately.

What Motorists Can Expect:

• Temporary Signal Disruptions: Signals may flash for 1-2 minutes.
• Timing: Major corridors and critical signals will be upgraded during off-peak hours.
• Caution: Motorists should drive with caution and obey traffic laws regarding flashing or dark signals.
• Duration: Installations will continue through September and October.
• Driver Impact: Significant changes expected; motorists should drive with caution and patience.
• Reporting Issues: Motorists are encouraged to call 311 to report concerns.

More Upgrades to Come:

Implementation Start Date: August 26

Phases: Four waves of new timing plans across September and October

For a list of signals to be retimed, click on the waves below.

Funding and Collaboration:

All agencies, including RTOP consultant groups AECOM and Kimley Horn, are collaborating to bring this modern signal program to the greater Mobile area. ALDOT has already invested over $6 million to date for all signals on state routes including $1.5 million from City of Mobile contributions. With this latest project, another $2.5 million in funding from a combination of State, City, and County funds is being invested into ensuring that all of the area’s traffic signals, regardless of ownership, are modernized, safe, and efficient.

Future Needs

While this effort will see all traffic signals running modern timing plans and being operated in real time, engineers say that there is still more to be done. Vehicle and pedestrian detection systems are important for efficient signals, but many current systems are outdated. Drivers might still face problems, especially at night or early in the morning when traffic is light. Updating and improving these systems is expensive, and about $8 million will be needed in the future to solve current issues.

Stay tuned for more updates on this important project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in the Mobile area.