The cost to develop, implement, and document the deployment of an adaptive signal control and transit signal priority upgrade on the Atlanta Smart Corridor was estimated at $1.7 million.

Smart Corridor experience in Atlanta, Georgia

Made Public Date
10/30/2011
Identifier
2011-SC00237
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Summary Information

The Atlanta Smart Corridor project evaluated the implementation of SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) and Transit Signal Priority (TSP) as an integrated system designed to improve mobility, reduce emissions, and decrease the costs of delay and fuel consumption on an 8.2 mile section of US 41/Cobb Parkway/Northside Parkway located between the City of Marietta and Atlanta, Georgia. The project included three jurisdictions (City of Marietta, Cobb County, and City of Atlanta).

The project scope of work included the deployment of SCATS adaptive signal control hardware and software, TSP equipment, and presence detection (inductive loops and video detection cameras) at 18 intersections. In addition, new traffic signal controller cabinets, traffic signal heads, pedestrian signals, and pedestrian accommodations meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards were installed as needed.

Prior to the upgrade project, SCATS software was installed on a central server and made operational at the Cobb County TCC (Traffic Control Center). The City of Marietta and the City of Atlanta used regional computers to communicate with the Cobb County server and coordinate cross-jurisdictional control of adjacent traffic signals. TSP was enabled by modifying existing hardware and software used for emergency vehicle priority systems. In the City of Atlanta and Cobb County, additional upgrades were required at 15 intersections where two TSP detectors and a phase selector were installed at each intersection. All 60 CCT (Cobb Community Transit) buses were equipped with TSP emitters.

SYSTEM COSTS

The initial capital cost to develop, implement, and document the deployment of the Smart Corridor system was estimated at $1,708,029.

The annual recurring cost of the signal timing system upgrade used to support the SCATS and TSP systems on the Smart Corridor was estimated to range between $211,000 to $255,000 depending on the interest rate of the investment which could vary between 4 and 8 percent over the 10 year lifetime of the timing plan.

The following formulas were used to determine the project’s total annual cost:

E = R x C

Where:
E = Equivalent Annual Cost
R = Capital Recovery Factor
C = Initial Cost
R = i(1+i)n / {(1+i)n – 1}

Where:
i = Annual Interest Rate
n = Useful Life of Timing Plans

System Cost

Develop, implement, and document SCATS and TSP upgrade: $1.7 million Annual recurring cost for SCATS and TSP signal timing upgrade investment: $211,000 to $255,000

System Cost Subsystem