County starts traffic signal re-timing project

Manatee County officials are asking drivers to use extra caution on major thoroughfares in the coming months as traffic signals are adjusted and retimed.

The effort is the first major implementation of the Advanced Traffic Management System, which will allow more than 230 traffic signals in Manatee County to be better coordinated with each other.

While drivers eventually can expect to see improved efficiency of signals, they will not see a continuous line of green lights during rush hours.

“Basically, the idea is this project is going to decrease travel times by increasing the efficiency of the signals,” Traffic Engineering Division Manager Sage Kamiya said. “You’ll be able to travel from Point A to Point B more efficiently, along major routes.”

Kamiya noted drivers may notice different signals than ones to which they are accustomed during the retiming period, and therefore should take extra caution on the roadway.

The retiming project, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, is the third of four major projects intended to improve traffic efficiency and reduce delays on major roadways in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].