Traffic Operations

Physical Address: 626 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Mailing Address: PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Phone: (970) 221-6630
Fax: (970) 221-6282
Email:

Real Time Traffic Information

Dedicated to the safe and efficient flow of automobiles, pedestrians, and bicycles on the Fort Collins roadway system.

2008 Traffic Signal Timing Project

Over the next 16 months, the City will re-time traffic signals to improve traffic flow on the City’s arterial streets.  The project will initially focus on rush hour timings with the intent to:

• Shorten delays and reduce stops at red lights
• Improve overall safety and reduce accidents
• Reduce air pollution generated by vehicles
• Provide greater consistency in travel planning for commuters and business commerce.
• Reduce driving frustration.

The City will also create new non-rush hour timings for arterial streets and, if funding permits, new signal timings for the weekends as well. 

The funding for the project is provided by the Federal Government through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct studies along major corridors and intersections to understand current conditions.
• Prepare and implement new traffic signal timing plans.
• Conduct additional studies to evaluate the “on-street” results of the new timing plans.
• Review and revise the new timing plans until the best possible traffic flow for the overall conditions are obtained.
• Document improvements.

Real-Time, Automated Signal Timing Comes to Harmony Road

In March, the City’s Traffic Operations Department will begin a year long project to implement a new traffic control system on Harmony Road.  The system, called Traffic Responsive Signal Timing, allows for automatic signal timing changes based on current roadway volume instead of using preset timing plans. The project will take place on Harmony Road between John F. Kennedy Parkway and Lady Moon Drive.

Goals and Objectives:

• Provide more timely adjustments of traffic signals
• Better accommodate real time traffic demand.
• Improve traffic flow on Harmony Road throughout the day.
• Reduce pollution, motorist delay, and accidents by minimizing congestion

How It Works

Vehicle detection installed as part of the project will provide real-time traffic volume information to the system.  This information is then used to automatically select a timing plan that best fits the current traffic conditions.

The project will collect and analyze traffic data to be used in the creation of new signal timing plans. The system can then select one of these new plans to best fit traffic volumes as they fluctuate throughout the day.

The funding for the project is provided by the Federal Government through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct travel time studies on Harmony Road between John F. Kennedy Parkway and Lady Moon Drive to determine current conditions
• Develop vehicle detection plans and install equipment
• Collect 24 hour vehicle count data to be used in the development of new signal timing plans
• Implement new timing plans in the traffic system
• Conduct travel time studies to determine effectiveness of new plans; evaluate and adjust the new plans as needed
• Conduct final travel time studies on Harmony Road between John F. Kennedy Parkway and Lady Moon Drive to measure improvements
• Document project findings

FCTrip – More Locations, More Information, More Access

Planning your commute through the City of Fort Collins will soon get easier.  Fcgov.com/fctrip, the City’s Traveler Information Web Page will be expanding to provide the traveling public with more traffic information and easier access to information.

Traffic Operations will install additional video cameras at arterial intersections around the city to provide additional intersection images to the public.  New Variable Message Signs (VMS) will also be installed on certain arterial roadways to provide up to date roadway information and travel advisories.  Actual installation locations will be determined as part of the two-year project.

In addition, motorists will soon be able to access real time traffic information via handheld devices. Initial design work will take place in 2008, and motorists will be able to take advantage of this feature in 2009.

What’s in it for Me?

• Timely and accurate traffic information and conditions.
• Easy to access information regarding alternative modes of transportation.
• Up-to-date weather conditions, work area traffic conditions and traffic incidents.

Scope of Work:

• Determine locations for signs and additional cameras
• Review current technology to ensure compatibility with the Advanced Traffic Management System
• Purchase and install  equipment
• Incorporate new video images and information into the existing FCTrip web page
• Conduct public announcements and advertising enhancements to FCTrip

School is out for the summer, watch for children and Slow Down for Safety!

The Driver’s Seat

Teen Drivers and Parents, catch up on driving tips, Colorado’s new Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL), consequences of breaking GDL laws, and lots of driving related resources. If you have a new driver in the family, find out how to build their skills and experience behind the wheel so everyone stays safe. From the Colorado Department of Transportation.