2009 News Archive 

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Grant signals help for city traffic congestion

Efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city recently got a big boost from a $578,400 federal grant that will fund development of a citywide traffic master plan and implementation of the plan's first phase, which will focus on the heavily traveled Medlock Bridge Road corridor.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy will fund creation of a Comprehensive Intelligent Traffic System Master Plan. The plan will outline installation of a system of cameras, software and fiber optic cable throughout the city, all connected wirelessly to a Traffic Control Center at City Hall. From the control center, workers can observe conditions and adjust traffic signal timing as necessary to move vehicles more efficiently.

The city also will use the funds to:

• Install the Traffic Control Center, including hardware, software and training;
• Implement the ITS cameras, software and fiber optics along GA 141/Medlock Bridge Road; and
• Install measurement devices for emissions and timing on Medlock.

Finally, the grant will help pay to retrofit 26 traffic signals across Johns Creek with energy-saving light emitting diodes, under a partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation. GDOT supplies the LEDs and the city will use the grant funds to supply the labor. There are 58 total traffic signals inside the city limits; 32 already have LEDs.

The EECBG is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The purpose of the Act is to stimulate the economy, create or save jobs, address the nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence and expand educational opportunities.