The City of Huntsville has finalized an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), granting the department access to traffic signals at more than three dozen intersections on federal and state roads. Through the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and the Regional Traffic Operations Program (RTOP), ALDOT can now monitor and optimize traffic flow more effectively.
Enhancing traffic efficiency and safety
The RTOP allows ALDOT to leverage Huntsville’s traffic insights, improving safety and efficiency at key intersections. The agreement also enables Huntsville Traffic Engineering to redirect its focus to other areas in the city.
“The benefit is that ALDOT can allocate additional resources to key corridors, enabling continuous monitoring of routes like U.S. 72 through neighboring cities to improve traffic flow,” said Traffic Engineering Director Nicholas Nene. “This also allows Traffic Engineering staff to focus our resources on other routes.”
The Federal Highway Authority defines ITS as using electronics, communications, or information processing—either alone or combined—to improve transportation system safety and efficiency.
Key intersections and agreement terms
Most affected intersections are on U.S. 72 West between Memorial Parkway and County Line Road, with others on Alabama 53 (Jordan Lane) and South Memorial Parkway (U.S. 231). While ALDOT gains access, the agreement ensures it cannot modify signal timing without notifying the City.
The partnership also includes co-sharing traffic cameras and other relevant equipment.
“This agreement allows both the City and ALDOT to enhance our partnership in managing the traffic demand on state and federal routes in Huntsville,” said Phillip Day, ALDOT Region Traffic Systems Management and Operations Engineer.
With this collaboration, Huntsville and ALDOT aim to create smoother, safer, and more efficient roadways for residents and commuters alike.
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