Program launched in October at 14 intersections

Click to Tweet: Do you travel along Eastern Avenue? @RTCSNV @cityofhenderson @ClarkCountyNV launched a smart adaptive traffic signal pilot to help traffic flow more efficiently. Find out more at rtcsnv.com/adaptive-signal.

 Download photos of equipment installation and b-roll footage of adaptive signal control software and Eastern Avenue HERE and watch the RTC’s promotional project video HERE

LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), together with the City of Henderson and Clark County, launched a smart adaptive traffic signal pilot program in Southern Nevada, along 14 intersections on Eastern Avenue between Beckler Drive and Pebble Road, to reduce traffic delays and congestion and improve travel time.

Instead of using traditionally timed traffic signals, adaptive signal control technology (ASCT) has been deployed to determine if it can help make traffic signals more efficient and improve performance metrics, potentially resulting in:

• reduced traffic delays and congestion
• improved travel time reliability
• decreased vehicle emissions
• improved safety

“Roadways are limited in their capacity, but technology can be the new asphalt and help increase capacity for additional vehicles,” said MJ Maynard, RTC chief executive officer. “We appreciate the collaboration with City of Henderson and Clark County on this project along a continually busy corridor that sees thousands of vehicles per day.”

Unlike traditionally timed traffic signals, signals with ASCT are supposed to react to changing traffic conditions caused by special events, road construction, and other roadway incidents to provide the best solutions to traffic signal phasing based on real time. First, strategically placed sensors collect data and feed this data into a controller to evaluate and develop signal timing improvements and modifications. Then, the adaptive signal technology implements the signal timing updates. This process is continuously updated to ensure the signal timing is responding to real-time conditions on the roadway. In comparison, traditional signals require manual traffic counts and periodic timing adjustments.

Motorists may notice a difference with the order of green phases at an intersection. This means that when a motorist is stopped at a red signal, instead of waiting for the entire cycle to complete, the ASCT will identify the best course of action and turn the signal green sooner than may be expected.

The Eastern Avenue corridor, from Beckler Drive and Pebble Road, has 14 signalized intersections. It consistently receives a high volume of traffic and connects to the I-215. The corridor generates high-peak traffic and complaints from drivers and pedestrians. This, along with its unique mix of residential and commercial uses, makes Eastern Avenue an ideal location to deploy and pilot ASCT.

This pilot project began October 2020 and concludes March 2021. For more information, visit rtcsnv.com/adaptive-signal. Those who travel on Eastern Avenue are encouraged to share their experience via a short survey on the webpage.

About City of Henderson:
Incorporated in 1953, Henderson is Nevada’s second largest city with more than 317,000 residents. Henderson is a premier city, nationally recognized for its stunning parks, trails, master-planned communities, outstanding quality of life and patriotic past. Recognized as one of America’s Best Places to Live (MONEY and Liveability.com), one of America’s Best Cities (Business Week), one of the safest cities in America (Forbes, InsuranceProviders.com, Law Street Media, Movato.com), and a Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists), Henderson is a progressive and vibrant city committed to maintaining premier amenities and services for all who choose to live, learn, work and play in Henderson … a place to call home.

About Clark County:
Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability.  With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11^th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.3 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2019). Included are the nation’s 9^th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.

About the RTC
The RTC is the regional authority overseeing public transit, metropolitan planning, roadway funding, traffic management, and the public bike share system. The RTC’s vision is to advance regionally transformative mobility solutions through equitable, innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. The RTC’s mission is to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable planning, collaborative problem-solving, and safe and equitable transportation service. For more information about the RTC and our major initiatives or to download the rideRTC app, visit rtcsnv.com. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog or following us on social media.

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