Downtown Traffic Signalization Improvement Pilot Near Completion

July 15,2010

16 Intersections Upgraded; Additional Funds From State of Georgia Granted

On Wednesday, June 30th, Governor Sonny Perdue announced the approval of $1.49 million in grant funding to the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) towards the Downtown Traffic Signal System Upgrades and Retiming Project. Funding for the grant will be provided by the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), a revolving infrastructure investment fund established in 2008 by Georgia legislators as a part of Governor Perdue’s legislative agenda. The funding will support signalization improvements at 65 intersections Downtown, advancing a significant second phase to a signalization improvement effort by ADID and the City of Atlanta through an initial pilot project initiated in late 2009. The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) was among eight Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) to receive GTIB grants.

“These funds will provide opportunity to improve transportation infrastructure on heavily traveled streets in Downtown Atlanta, including the introduction of new wireless technologies,” said City of Atlanta Interim Commissioner of Public Works Michael Cheyne. “We’re thankful for the improvements that are already in place on corridors like Marietta Street through the pilot project and excited for ADID’s grant award that will continue this work.”

Equipment upgrades include:

• Replacement of traffic signal controller units and cabinets (provided through a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) equipment upgrade program);
• Replacement of outdated incandescent signal heads with new Light Emitting Diode (LED) heads and pedestrian ‘count-down’ heads;
• Wireless communication upgrades and system integration;
• Development of new timing and optimization plans for better traffic movement; and
• Assessment of the benefits of the improvements through a ‘before and after’ study that measures vehicle emissions, travel time savings and fuel consumption.

The new investment by ADID in traffic signal upgrades will ultimately reduce delay and improve mobility for all travelers. Previous studies have documented benefits of investing in signal timing that outweigh costs by up to 40 to 1.

The traffic signalization pilot project consisting of 16 intersections on Marietta Street, Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Baker Street was initiated in December 2009 and will be completed later in July. The pilot project, made possible through a partnership of the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, was the first phase of the Downtown-wide Traffic Signal System Upgrades and Retiming Project. The project will address an overall strategy to modernize outdated and deficient equipment, improve signal operations and thereby mitigate traffic congestion through better traffic flow within key Downtown corridors.

“With the pilot project nearing completion, we estimate that travel time within the Downtown Marietta Street corridor has decreased by 20%,” says Angie Laurie, Vice President of Transportation, Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) & ADID. “Drivers experience fewer delays, and pedestrians benefit from safer, more consistent operations. Much of the traffic signal equipment within Downtown is at least 14 years old, last upgraded in preparation for the 1996 Olympics, so these improvements are needed.”

The design-build pilot project with the City of Atlanta and ADID is being led by a team consisting of Wright-Brown Electric, Inc. and ARCADIS. ADID is funding $100,000 of the demonstration project’s improvements, and $500,000 is being contributed through Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) public purpose funds. The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works is a vital partner providing oversight, staff and equipment support, and necessary coordination. When complete, the Downtown-wide project improving more than 80 intersections will result in an overall investment in signalization improvements valued at more than $5 million by ADID, the City and State of Georgia.

For more information on this project please go to AtlantaDowntown.com.

About Central Atlanta Progress & the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District:
Central Atlanta Progress, Inc. (CAP) is a Downtown business association with 211 members. Its mission is to build a 21st century Downtown as the heart of the Atlanta Region – a vibrant community with strong leadership and sustainable infrastructure that is safe, livable, diverse, economically viable, accessible, clean, hospitable and entertaining. It is governed by a 60 plus-member Board of Directors, including an Executive Committee that oversees the monthly operational decisions on behalf of the Board. The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) is a 510(c)(3) non-profit organization created by CAP to make Downtown safer, cleaner and more hospitable.

About City of Atlanta Department of Public Works/Office of Transportation
The Office of Transportation is a division of the Department of Public Works. This division is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the City’s infrastructure. It provides a variety of services to the citizens of Atlanta, internal operating departments, and governmental agencies. This office is comprised of Technical Services, Infrastructure Project Development, Crew Construction & Maintenance, Condition Assessments and Permits, the Public Parking Program and the Quality of Life Bond program.
Visit us at: http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/publicworks/transportation_110507.aspx

About Wright-Brown:
Wright-Brown Electric Co., Inc. is a privately family-owned corporation founded in Atlanta in 1966. For the last 35 years, the company has provided the electrical contracting for the City of Atlanta. Wright-Brown provides transportation related electrical services in signalization, street lighting, and also street banner hanging for conventions and other events. Additionally, Wright-Brown works with developers and private companies on electrical contracts that impact City of Atlanta traffic signals and lighting.

About ARCADIS:
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. We enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environment. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 15,000 employees and $2.4 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions. ARCADIS supports UN-HABITAT with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. Visit us at: www.arcadis-us.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Central Atlanta Progress: Sara Milton at smilton@atlantadowntown.com or 404-658-5908
City of Atlanta: Valerie Bell-Smith at vbell-smith@atlantaga.gov