Countywide Smart Signals

About this Project

Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is leading a Smart Signals Project to upgrade traffic signals at over 300 intersections throughout the 19 cities/towns and unincorporated communities within Contra Costa County. This work is focused along major arterials that have been designated as “Routes of Regional Significance.”

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What is a Route of Regional Significance?

A roadway that connects two or more subareas of Contra Costa, crosses County boundaries, carries significant through traffic, and/or provides access to a regional highway or transit facility.

A map highlighting various transit points in green dots across areas including Berkeley, Oakland, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Concord, Antioch, Pittsburg, and other nearby regions.

Right Time For An Upgrade

Existing traffic signals within Contra Costa are not connected to each other (like with fiber or ethernet), preventing synchronization and coordination between signals. Additionally, most modern signal systems need Signal Control and Prioritization (SCP) technology that can help transit vehicles and alternative modes such as bikes and shuttles, move through intersections safely and efficiently.

By incorporating modern elements into the County’s signal systems, CCTA will optimize traffic flow on its arterials, reduce congestion, and hopefully eliminate spillover of congestion onto the freeways. Efforts performed with this project will also enable CCTA to enhance safety for all modes, monitor traffic conditions in real-time, improve incident management and response times, and prepare Contra Costa for other emerging transportation technologies.

Illustration of a person driving a car at a busy crossroad with traffic lights and other vehicles.

Benefits of Smart Signals

Safer Roads

Imagine better emergency response times, easier management of incidents by first responders and law enforcement, and reduction of secondary incidents due to video analytics that can identify near-miss situations.

Smoother Travel

Synchronized, responsive signals can reduce idling at red lights, improve speed management, decrease travel delays, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase transit reliability.

Better Traffic Management

Cities and Caltrans will have access to real-time data that allows optimization of traffic during incidents, evacuations, or other major events. Cities will be able to prioritize transit and emergency vehicles as needed.

KEY FEATURES

Intersection with connected and automated vehicle technology, featuring multiple vehicle sensors, smart traffic lights, and separate lanes for cars, buses, and bicycles.

Schedule

July 2022

Planning & Conceptual Design

March 2023

Environmental Studies (PAED)

April 2024

Design & Engineering (PS&E)

September 2025

Construction

Stakeholders

Antioch
Brentwood
Clayton
Concord
Danville

El Cerrito
Hercules
Lafayette
Martinez
Moraga

Oakley
Orinda
Pinole
Pittsburg
Pleasant Hill

Richmond
San Pablo
San Ramon
Walnut Creek
Contra Costa County

Antioch
Brentwood
Clayton
Concord
Danville
El Cerrito
Hercules
Lafayette
Martinez
Moraga

Oakley
Orinda
Pinole
Pittsburg
Pleasant Hill
Richmond
San Pablo
San Ramon
Walnut Creek
Contra Costa County

Funding Sources

Measure J
Local Match
OBAG 3*
LPP-F**

TOTAL
$30.8 million

* One Bay Area Grant 3 (OBAG 3): Federal funding provided by Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
** Local Partnership Program – Formulaic (LPP-F): State funding provided by California Transportation Commission (CTC).

Collaborators

CCTA is working closely with several agencies to make this project a success. We are thankful for the teamwork offered by the following:

Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection), Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (Tri Delta Transit), Western Contra Costa County Transit (WestCAT), Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT:

John Hoang
Director, Planning at CCTA
925.256.4729
jhoang@ccta.net

Project factsheet