| ITEM #: 1. DATE: 06/15/2026 AI #:3061 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN PROJECT UPDATE: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER OPTIMIZATION |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Steve Scinto, Director of Engineering; Logan Hopp, Deputy Director of Engineering |
SUMMARY
Council will receive an update on the FY2026 Strategic Plan project on a Traffic Management Center Optimization Plan, which was intended to integrate optimized traffic signal software to improve timing, synchronization and traffic flow. This update will include the upgrades that have been implemented and the impacts of these changes.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive an update on the FY2026 Strategic Plan project on a Traffic Management Center Optimization Plan and provide input and guidance to staff. No action will be taken. (Steve Scinto, Director of Engineering; Logan Hopp, Deputy Director of Engineering)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact on this item.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
There are close to 20 years of background and previous actions that have cumulatively led us to be able to add the Traffic Management Center Optimization – Integrate Optimized Traffic Signal Software subject to the city Strategic Plan. The most recent relevant Council actions and communications area are primarily related to Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology upgrades, starting in 2023.
In March 2023, United States Senator Mark Kelly’s office issued a request for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects. These requested projects were required to be: (i.) Supported by local or state government; (ii.) Place-based (having a specific location); (iii.) Short duration project that could be supported with a one-time infusion of funds and (iv.) Shovel-ready. The city submitted a project request for ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades to Senator Kelly’s office for consideration. The city was notified in March 2024 that its ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades project would be funded in the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill in the amount of $500,000.
At the January 11, 2024 Council Retreat, Engineering Department (Engineering) staff presented on Traffic Signal Optimization. The presentation provided an overview of Goodyear’s traffic signal system, explaining how the city uses a mix of fully actuated and coordinated signal operations across major corridors. Staff outlined challenges such as increased traffic volumes, construction, land use changes, and signal preemptions. Staff highlighted the city’s transition toward adaptive signal control to improve real-time traffic flow. The presentation also detailed next steps, including completing a Traffic Management Center (TMC) health assessment, expanding fiber connectivity, implementing updated preemption procedures, and launching pilot projects aimed at modernizing traffic management and preparing the system for continued growth.
Engineering staff included an item in the April 5, 2024 City Manager's Memo, regarding the Traffic Management and Signalization Update. The Update summarized Engineering's implementation of a two-phase pilot program to evaluate traffic signal timing on key corridors. Phase 1 standardized the days and time periods when traffic signal coordination operated. Phase 2 focused traffic signal coordination during peak hours while staff continued monitoring data to assess impacts on traffic flow and safety.
At the May 13, 2024 Council Work Session, Engineering staff presented an update on recent traffic signal timing pilot projects, as well as findings from the comprehensive TMC assessment, including operational, staffing, and technology needs. The assessment recommended improving TMC operations, updating Engineering's ITS Plan, and enhancing performance metrics to increase efficiency and accountability. Additional updates included, technology enhancements, congressional funding for radar detection, upcoming capital improvement projects, and continued evaluation of signalization strategies.
At the June 10, 2024 Special Council meeting, Council approved CIP #42088 - Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS Upgrades in the adoption of Resolution No. 2024-2381 determining and adopting the final estimates of proposed revenues and expenditures for the city of Goodyear for FY2025.
Goodyear was notified by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in July 2024 that the ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades CDS project had been approved with a federal funding amount of $500,000 and a local fund match for Goodyear’s share of $30,223.
At the December 9, 2024 Regular Council meeting, Council authorized the expenditure of construction funds for CIP# 42088 Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS upgrades, authorized funds up to $1,650,000 in FY2025.
At the June 9, 2025 Special Council meeting, Council approved the FY2026 budget which included CIP#42088 with an expenditure authority of $2,084,400, in addition to adding a Full-Time Employee (FTE), TMC Operator, in the adoption of Resolution No. 2025-2475. The TMC Operator will enhance transportation safety and accessibility by monitoring and managing traffic via cameras and other technologies. An assessment performed in 2024 by the firm AECOM identified the need for additional staffing to improve traffic operations and safety. This position will expand TMC monitoring from 5-10 hours per week to 50 hours per week, covering peak traffic times, supporting special events, and improving coordination with the police. The Operator will also assist with manual signal control during incidents. This role will optimize traffic signal software to enhance timing, synchronization, and overall traffic flow.
At the March 23, 2026 Regular Council meeting, Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), Contract No. 26-0119, with the State of Arizona through the ADOT establishing responsibility for funding, purchasing and installation of ITS Dilemma Zone Protection Equipment at ten signalized intersections located in Goodyear. Under the terms of IGA, the city will be responsible for a portion of project administration costs of $1,710 and for the initial payments made to vendors for the costs related to the procurement and installation of the equipment of $28,513. The procurement of equipment and installation costs are eligible to be reimbursed. The CDS project cost estimate consisting of ADOT project administration and procurement includes a total federal funding contribution from ADOT of $500,000 and city funds in the amount of $30,223 for a total CDS project cost of $530,223. The city previously approved a total multi-year project budget of $6,000,000 for CIP Project No. 42088 – Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS Upgrades. The federal CDS funding provided through this IGA will reimburse eligible project costs that would otherwise be funded by the city, reducing the city’s share of project costs by up to $500,000 and maximizing the use of external funding sources for the project.
At the April 13, 2026 Council Work Session meeting, Engineering staff presented an update on traffic cameras, traffic signals, traffic enforcement, traffic control, traffic safety, and took questions, concerns, and recommendations from Council.
In March 2023, United States Senator Mark Kelly’s office issued a request for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects. These requested projects were required to be: (i.) Supported by local or state government; (ii.) Place-based (having a specific location); (iii.) Short duration project that could be supported with a one-time infusion of funds and (iv.) Shovel-ready. The city submitted a project request for ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades to Senator Kelly’s office for consideration. The city was notified in March 2024 that its ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades project would be funded in the Transportation and Housing appropriations bill in the amount of $500,000.
At the January 11, 2024 Council Retreat, Engineering Department (Engineering) staff presented on Traffic Signal Optimization. The presentation provided an overview of Goodyear’s traffic signal system, explaining how the city uses a mix of fully actuated and coordinated signal operations across major corridors. Staff outlined challenges such as increased traffic volumes, construction, land use changes, and signal preemptions. Staff highlighted the city’s transition toward adaptive signal control to improve real-time traffic flow. The presentation also detailed next steps, including completing a Traffic Management Center (TMC) health assessment, expanding fiber connectivity, implementing updated preemption procedures, and launching pilot projects aimed at modernizing traffic management and preparing the system for continued growth.
Engineering staff included an item in the April 5, 2024 City Manager's Memo, regarding the Traffic Management and Signalization Update. The Update summarized Engineering's implementation of a two-phase pilot program to evaluate traffic signal timing on key corridors. Phase 1 standardized the days and time periods when traffic signal coordination operated. Phase 2 focused traffic signal coordination during peak hours while staff continued monitoring data to assess impacts on traffic flow and safety.
At the May 13, 2024 Council Work Session, Engineering staff presented an update on recent traffic signal timing pilot projects, as well as findings from the comprehensive TMC assessment, including operational, staffing, and technology needs. The assessment recommended improving TMC operations, updating Engineering's ITS Plan, and enhancing performance metrics to increase efficiency and accountability. Additional updates included, technology enhancements, congressional funding for radar detection, upcoming capital improvement projects, and continued evaluation of signalization strategies.
At the June 10, 2024 Special Council meeting, Council approved CIP #42088 - Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS Upgrades in the adoption of Resolution No. 2024-2381 determining and adopting the final estimates of proposed revenues and expenditures for the city of Goodyear for FY2025.
Goodyear was notified by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in July 2024 that the ITS and Dilemma Zone Advance Detection Technology Upgrades CDS project had been approved with a federal funding amount of $500,000 and a local fund match for Goodyear’s share of $30,223.
At the December 9, 2024 Regular Council meeting, Council authorized the expenditure of construction funds for CIP# 42088 Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS upgrades, authorized funds up to $1,650,000 in FY2025.
At the June 9, 2025 Special Council meeting, Council approved the FY2026 budget which included CIP#42088 with an expenditure authority of $2,084,400, in addition to adding a Full-Time Employee (FTE), TMC Operator, in the adoption of Resolution No. 2025-2475. The TMC Operator will enhance transportation safety and accessibility by monitoring and managing traffic via cameras and other technologies. An assessment performed in 2024 by the firm AECOM identified the need for additional staffing to improve traffic operations and safety. This position will expand TMC monitoring from 5-10 hours per week to 50 hours per week, covering peak traffic times, supporting special events, and improving coordination with the police. The Operator will also assist with manual signal control during incidents. This role will optimize traffic signal software to enhance timing, synchronization, and overall traffic flow.
At the March 23, 2026 Regular Council meeting, Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), Contract No. 26-0119, with the State of Arizona through the ADOT establishing responsibility for funding, purchasing and installation of ITS Dilemma Zone Protection Equipment at ten signalized intersections located in Goodyear. Under the terms of IGA, the city will be responsible for a portion of project administration costs of $1,710 and for the initial payments made to vendors for the costs related to the procurement and installation of the equipment of $28,513. The procurement of equipment and installation costs are eligible to be reimbursed. The CDS project cost estimate consisting of ADOT project administration and procurement includes a total federal funding contribution from ADOT of $500,000 and city funds in the amount of $30,223 for a total CDS project cost of $530,223. The city previously approved a total multi-year project budget of $6,000,000 for CIP Project No. 42088 – Dilemma Zone Advance Detection and ITS Upgrades. The federal CDS funding provided through this IGA will reimburse eligible project costs that would otherwise be funded by the city, reducing the city’s share of project costs by up to $500,000 and maximizing the use of external funding sources for the project.
At the April 13, 2026 Council Work Session meeting, Engineering staff presented an update on traffic cameras, traffic signals, traffic enforcement, traffic control, traffic safety, and took questions, concerns, and recommendations from Council.
STAFF ANALYSIS
For close to the last 20 years, the city has been investing in ITS technology and infrastructure. Through these cumulative investments, the city has laid the groundwork for being able to pilot the dynamic or adaptive signal technology as prescribed in this strategic plan item.
The city of Goodyear currently operates more than 120 traffic signals supported by camera detection, radar technology at several intersections, and an expanding fiber optic network to connect traffic signals to the TMC. Goodyear’s traffic signal network relies on a combination of coordinated corridors and fully actuated intersections that adjust timing based on real-time camera and radar detection, enabling signals to respond to actual traffic demand rather than fixed schedules. Several major corridors, such as portions of Estrella Parkway, Cotton Lane, Litchfield Road, Bullard Avenue, Indian School Road, and McDowell Road, operate in coordinated mode daily from early morning into the evening ensuring smoother progression and reduced delay during peak travel periods along major arterial roadways.
As vehicle traffic increases due to development in the city and surrounding areas, the city is advancing toward adaptive signal control technology, which allows signals to communicate with the TMC in order to make traffic signal timing adjustments and optimize flow dynamically. This evolution, supported by expanding fiber optic connectivity and improved detection systems, positions the city to enhance coordination performance and better manage increasing travel demand.
The city’s partnership with Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) along with locally funded projects have funded prior projects which laid the foundation for the technology and resources that help make this project possible. These projects installed conduit, fiber optic cable, communication equipment or TMC upgrades. Those projects are listed below:
Traffic Operations Center: Completed 2008
Litchfield Road Fiber – MC 85 to Wigwam: Completed 2008
Estrella/PebbleCreek Fiber – Van Buren to Indian School: Completed 2014
Yuma Road Fiber – Cotton to Estrella: Completed 2018
Litchfield Road Detection – MC 85 to Wigwam: Completed 2022
Estrella/PebbleCreek Detection and TMC Upgrades: Completed 2022
Radar detection implementation – 34 signals: Completed in 2025
Radar detection implementation – 43 signals: 2026, in progress
Adaptive traffic control pilot project: Implemented in 2026
Once the radar detection was installed and configured, staff coordinated with the signal control software company for the adaptive coordination component of the system to evaluate it as a pilot project using maintenance funds. Adaptive traffic control is a signal technology that uses real-time traffic data to adjust traffic signal coordination at specified intervals. Where traffic signal coordination is typically based on historical traffic counts or traffic conditions and relies on fixed time-of-day plans, the adaptive system responds to current traffic conditions and changes green time, cycle length, and can also adjust an entire corridor of traffic signals as needed. The main benefit is that it helps the city get more performance out of the existing roadway network. It can reduce delay, improve travel time, and better handle changing conditions like peak-hour surges, incidents, weather, or special events. This technology is especially useful on corridors where traffic volumes vary unexpectedly during the day. It’s important to note that while adaptive traffic control can help our signal system perform more efficiently with the infrastructure we already have, it will not by itself keep pace with the congestion pressures created by rapid city growth.
All high traffic corridors with recurring congestion within the city were considered for the pilot project. Ultimately, the following roadway segments were chosen:
Cotton Lane – Yuma Road to Canyon Trails Boulevard/Lilac Street (Three traffic signals)
Estrella/PebbleCreek Parkway – Van Buren Street to McDowell Road (Five traffic signals)
Litchfield Road – Van Buren Street to McDowell Road (Six signals)
These locations were chosen due to their traffic volume, proximity to I-10, tendency of increased traffic volume due to I-10 delays, and their closely spaced traffic signals along the selected corridors.
In early December 2025, the adaptive signal control function was activated on three corridors. For the first two weeks, adaptive signal control was operated during regular work hours to allow for staff configuration and oversight. After the initial two-week period, adaptive signal control was allowed to operate seven days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A recent example of adaptive operation is during the Bullard Avenue & I-10 off ramp closures. Both Litchfield Road and Estrella/PebbleCreek Parkway experience significant increases in traffic on their off ramps. The adaptive traffic signal control increases the cycle length of the arterial streets and also adjusts the ramp timing to accommodate the traffic increases. When traffic diminishes, adaptive control can reduce the cycle length. While manual adjustments have been required from time to time, the adaptive traffic signal control has been able to adjust signal timing to accommodate the changing traffic signal conditions.
In summary, the adaptive signal control pilot and continued investment in TMC capabilities represent a strategic and cost-effective approach to maximizing the performance of Goodyear’s existing transportation network. By leveraging real-time data, expanding fiber connectivity, implementing improved detection systems, and expanding roadways, the city is enhancing its ability to proactively manage traffic operations and improve corridor efficiency. Staff will continue to evaluate system performance and identify additional targeted intersections where adaptive signal control may be implemented to further improve operations. While these investments will significantly enhance traffic flow, safety, and system reliability, they cannot fully offset the increases in congestion that naturally accompany Goodyear’s rapid growth. Together, however, these efforts position the city to manage existing infrastructure more efficiently and respond more effectively to evolving traffic conditions.
The city of Goodyear currently operates more than 120 traffic signals supported by camera detection, radar technology at several intersections, and an expanding fiber optic network to connect traffic signals to the TMC. Goodyear’s traffic signal network relies on a combination of coordinated corridors and fully actuated intersections that adjust timing based on real-time camera and radar detection, enabling signals to respond to actual traffic demand rather than fixed schedules. Several major corridors, such as portions of Estrella Parkway, Cotton Lane, Litchfield Road, Bullard Avenue, Indian School Road, and McDowell Road, operate in coordinated mode daily from early morning into the evening ensuring smoother progression and reduced delay during peak travel periods along major arterial roadways.
As vehicle traffic increases due to development in the city and surrounding areas, the city is advancing toward adaptive signal control technology, which allows signals to communicate with the TMC in order to make traffic signal timing adjustments and optimize flow dynamically. This evolution, supported by expanding fiber optic connectivity and improved detection systems, positions the city to enhance coordination performance and better manage increasing travel demand.
The city’s partnership with Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) along with locally funded projects have funded prior projects which laid the foundation for the technology and resources that help make this project possible. These projects installed conduit, fiber optic cable, communication equipment or TMC upgrades. Those projects are listed below:
Traffic Operations Center: Completed 2008
Litchfield Road Fiber – MC 85 to Wigwam: Completed 2008
Estrella/PebbleCreek Fiber – Van Buren to Indian School: Completed 2014
Yuma Road Fiber – Cotton to Estrella: Completed 2018
Litchfield Road Detection – MC 85 to Wigwam: Completed 2022
Estrella/PebbleCreek Detection and TMC Upgrades: Completed 2022
Radar detection implementation – 34 signals: Completed in 2025
Radar detection implementation – 43 signals: 2026, in progress
Adaptive traffic control pilot project: Implemented in 2026
Once the radar detection was installed and configured, staff coordinated with the signal control software company for the adaptive coordination component of the system to evaluate it as a pilot project using maintenance funds. Adaptive traffic control is a signal technology that uses real-time traffic data to adjust traffic signal coordination at specified intervals. Where traffic signal coordination is typically based on historical traffic counts or traffic conditions and relies on fixed time-of-day plans, the adaptive system responds to current traffic conditions and changes green time, cycle length, and can also adjust an entire corridor of traffic signals as needed. The main benefit is that it helps the city get more performance out of the existing roadway network. It can reduce delay, improve travel time, and better handle changing conditions like peak-hour surges, incidents, weather, or special events. This technology is especially useful on corridors where traffic volumes vary unexpectedly during the day. It’s important to note that while adaptive traffic control can help our signal system perform more efficiently with the infrastructure we already have, it will not by itself keep pace with the congestion pressures created by rapid city growth.
All high traffic corridors with recurring congestion within the city were considered for the pilot project. Ultimately, the following roadway segments were chosen:
Cotton Lane – Yuma Road to Canyon Trails Boulevard/Lilac Street (Three traffic signals)
Estrella/PebbleCreek Parkway – Van Buren Street to McDowell Road (Five traffic signals)
Litchfield Road – Van Buren Street to McDowell Road (Six signals)
These locations were chosen due to their traffic volume, proximity to I-10, tendency of increased traffic volume due to I-10 delays, and their closely spaced traffic signals along the selected corridors.
In early December 2025, the adaptive signal control function was activated on three corridors. For the first two weeks, adaptive signal control was operated during regular work hours to allow for staff configuration and oversight. After the initial two-week period, adaptive signal control was allowed to operate seven days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A recent example of adaptive operation is during the Bullard Avenue & I-10 off ramp closures. Both Litchfield Road and Estrella/PebbleCreek Parkway experience significant increases in traffic on their off ramps. The adaptive traffic signal control increases the cycle length of the arterial streets and also adjusts the ramp timing to accommodate the traffic increases. When traffic diminishes, adaptive control can reduce the cycle length. While manual adjustments have been required from time to time, the adaptive traffic signal control has been able to adjust signal timing to accommodate the changing traffic signal conditions.
In summary, the adaptive signal control pilot and continued investment in TMC capabilities represent a strategic and cost-effective approach to maximizing the performance of Goodyear’s existing transportation network. By leveraging real-time data, expanding fiber connectivity, implementing improved detection systems, and expanding roadways, the city is enhancing its ability to proactively manage traffic operations and improve corridor efficiency. Staff will continue to evaluate system performance and identify additional targeted intersections where adaptive signal control may be implemented to further improve operations. While these investments will significantly enhance traffic flow, safety, and system reliability, they cannot fully offset the increases in congestion that naturally accompany Goodyear’s rapid growth. Together, however, these efforts position the city to manage existing infrastructure more efficiently and respond more effectively to evolving traffic conditions.