The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), in partnership with Mobile County and the City of Mobile, has completed a major traffic signal update to improve flow and reduce congestion. The changes, implemented in phases since fall 2024, simplify signal operations and prioritize real-time monitoring by skilled engineers.
“We took a ‘back to basics’ approach, focusing on signal timing and real-time monitoring to address problem areas,” said Benjamin Nichols with ALDOT’s Southwest Region.
Traffic Signals Retimed for Smoother Commutes in Mobile Metro area:
Examples – Airport Blvd and Dauphin Street:
Good news for drivers in Mobile! Traffic signals along Airport Boulevard, from University Boulevard to Cody Road, have been retimed to improve the flow of traffic. During peak hours, you’ll notice fewer stops and shorter travel times. Off-peak and overnight travel will also be quicker, with reduced delays making your trips more predictable.
Dauphin Street signals, from Rimes Road to Sage Avenue, have also been adjusted to smooth traffic, especially around the I-65 ramps. These changes mean fewer delays and easier transitions from side streets onto the main road.
These updates are part of an ongoing effort to make daily commutes more efficient and less frustrating for Mobile drivers.
Key Improvements:
- Retimed Signals: Airport Boulevard (University Blvd to Cody Rd) and Dauphin Street (Rimes Rd to Sage Ave) now have smoother traffic flow and fewer delays, especially near I-65.
- Remote Adjustments: Engineers can now tweak signal timing in real time to respond to traffic conditions.
- Live Monitoring: Cameras at key intersections allow engineers to track performance (no recordings are stored).
- Special Event Timing: Custom signal plans manage traffic for events like Mardi Gras and football games.
- Ongoing Enhancements: Annual funding will continue improving signals and fixing road sensors.
The $11 million traffic signal initiative, which included federal funds and contributions from the City of Mobile and Mobile County, is now in its next phase, with annual funding allotments to address signal concerns and a focus on upgrading road sensors to further improve traffic. The collaborative effort aims to make traffic signals in the Mobile area safer and more efficient for everyone.
Report Signal Issues
Notice a problem? Call 311 (Mobile area), use the “Report a Concern” form on ALDOT’s website, or leave a voicemail at (251) 470-8207. Provide the time, location, and direction of the issue to help engineers resolve it quickly.
