County seeks funding for S.R. 70 program

Manatee County hopes a green light is heading its way.

Manatee County's Transportation Department has applied to Federal Highway Administration for a $1 million grant for an adaptive signal control system to be installed along State Road 70 between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and U.S. 41. 

The technology is a software program that resides on the traffic signal controller and can make changes to the green time of the light based on real-time traffic, said Sage Kamiya, deputy director of traffic management for Manatee County.

“The current traffic signal programs we have out there are based off historic information we’ve collected over the years; it’s kind of a set volume,” Kamiya said, noting timing is generated based on the time of day, season and month, for example. “This (adaptive signal control) type of program allows the controller to make changes within reason. Green time changes.”

As part of the grant, Manatee County and the Florida Department of Transportation each would contribute about $200,000 in services with Manatee installing the technology and FDOT providing design services for the project.

Kamiya said the county is targeting State Road 70 because the roadway would realize the most benefits. There are 20 traffic signals in the proposed stretch of roadway.

The highway administration reviews grant requests on an ongoing basis and Manatee officials do not know when they will learn if their application has been granted. If it is, they hope to move forward as quickly as possible, but Kamiya said timing will be based on how quickly the funds become available, how quickly the county can purchase equipment and on timing for engineering and installation, among other factors.

FDOT, in partnership with Sarasota and Manatee counties, is in the process of installing similar technologies along University Parkway, from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard east to the Sarasota International Airport. The installation of an adaptive signal control system, called InSync, combined with a bluetooth technology that monitor traffic conditions, is a pilot program for FDOT.

The $161,654 system will adjust signal timings based on real-time traffic demand instead of relying on preprogrammed signal timings at intersections and will allow the counties and FDOT to monitor the program’s effectiveness. 

The technology is expected to be operational in November.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].