Beginning this week, the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with Escambia County, is retiming traffic signals along Davis Highway from Airport Road to Johnson Avenue.
The process includes collecting traffic count data, analyzing it for opportunities for improvement, implementing the new timings, tweaking timings based on field observation and evaluating corridor travel times. The corridor along Davis Highway includes 12 traffic signals along the highest traveled corridor in Escambia County.
Coordinated green light times are timed for drivers traveling at the posted speed of 35 miles per hour. Drivers will notice some locations include a “lagging left turn,” which only provides the green left turn arrow if the lane detects vehicles are still present. New cycle lengths being tested include the reduction in total intersection cycle length from 200 seconds to 150 seconds. During the next two weeks, FDOT will be in the field adjusting the signal timing to optimize the movement of people and goods through this corridor followed by 90 days of additional monitoring.
All 12 intersections are wirelessly connected to the Escambia County Traffic Signal Operations Center located at the Escambia County Central Office Complex on Fairfield Drive. These communications allow county staff to assist with maintenance efforts, review status of signal timings and measure travel time and speed along the corridor.
Implementation of coordinated signal timing supports the county's goal of improving the quality of life for our residents by decreasing delay, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Please contact Escambia County Transportation and Traffic Operations at 850-595-3404 with any questions or comments.