Centralized Traffic Management System

Current Activity

December 2022: City awards Phase I design for next stage of expansion of the system.

December 2024: City applies for CMAQ funding for construction in 2026.

Background

The majority of the City's traffic signals were installed between 1980 and 2005. Naperville maintains 92 of 161 traffic signals located within the City's boundary with the remaining signals maintained by IDOT or DuPage County.

Prior to January 2016, the software running each of the City-maintained signals could only be remotely accessed using a dial-up phone connection within the City's Municipal Center. Although the system still performed essential tasks, it was becoming obsolete and could not accommodate newer functions allowed by the current generation of traffic signal management systems.

For years, the Citizen Survey results echoed previous results with a large percentage of residents concerned about traffic flow and congestion on area roadways. While the City has made numerous investments to increase roadway capacity wherever possible, further signal improvements are needed to maintain or improve current traffic levels of service, accommodate future growth in traffic volumes and increase public satisfaction.

In addition, DuPage County is leading a strategic framework for the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems in which traffic control and signal management systems were identified as priority projects for the area. The City of Naperville's modernization of its traffic signal system is consistent with this county-wide goal.

Project Timeline

Phase One - COMPLETE
During the first phase of the project, crews eliminated gaps in the traffic signal systems located along Washington Street by installing fiber optic cables to connect the three existing traffic signal systems that run along the entire length of Washington Street from Warrenville to Royce roads. As a result, City staff now receives automated notifications when traffic signals in this area malfunction, resulting in a quicker resolution to issues. A more consistent timing pattern for signals along this corridor is also in place. 

Phase Two - COMPLETE
In 2017, crews installed equipment at intersections along Washington Street as part of the second phase of the Centralized Traffic Management System (CTMS) installation. This equipment will allow traffic signals along this corridor to adjust in real-time based on immediate traffic demands. From the driver perspective, the new system may not seem significantly different. This is because the sequence of the traffic signal operation will be largely the same. The CTMS gives the City the flexibility to program green time allocations and cycle lengths depending upon traffic conditions. This feature will help maximize the efficiency of the system and minimize travel times. So, while you may not “see” anything different, the new system, over time, will make driving through busy areas of the City take less time, help motorists save more fuel by reducing idling and result in a better driving experience for all.

Phase Three  - In Progress
Design work has started to expand the CTMS by adding 25 signals in the southwest region of the city to the system. Construction is expected to start in 2026.

Phase Four
Future plans include additional phases to integrate other existing signal system corridors and county systems into the network. These future phases are yet to be determined, and it will likely be 10-15 years before everything is connected.