Galveston is set to upgrade its traffic management system with a nearly $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The new system will allow city officials to remotely control traffic signals, improving efficiency and safety. The funding is part of the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program, which supports projects that enhance mobility through technology.
Funding and Purpose of the Project
In January 2025, Galveston secured $1.99 million in funding to launch phase one of the Galveston Rapid Evacuation and Transportation System. City leaders plan to combine this grant with an additional $16 million from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. This funding will be used to research, design, purchase necessary equipment, and implement the new traffic management system across the city.
How the New Traffic Light System Works
The new system will analyze vehicle and pedestrian data to optimize traffic signals, making roads more efficient. A key feature is the ability to give priority to emergency vehicles, ensuring they can move through intersections without delays. City traffic officials will also have the ability to remotely adjust signals based on traffic patterns, which is especially useful during peak seasons.
Benefits for Galveston’s Roads
By implementing this system, Galveston aims to:
- Reduce congestion by adjusting traffic signals in real time.
- Enhance emergency response by allowing emergency vehicles to move through traffic more smoothly.
- Improve traffic flow by analyzing pedestrian and vehicle data.
- Prepare for future expansions by incorporating new technology into the system over time.
Pilot Program and Future Expansion
The first phase of this project will begin in the spring of 2025. The city will conduct a pilot test along Seawall Boulevard, stretching from 14th Street to 57th Street. If successful, the program will expand throughout the city.
City officials believe that having a system that can adapt to real-time traffic conditions will significantly improve transportation in Galveston. The ability to monitor and control traffic signals remotely will help the city manage its growing number of residents and visitors efficiently.
