City of Newport News, VA
The City of Newport News is undertaking a major update to is traffic control infrastructure. Newport News will upgrade is traffic signal system through the deployment of Econolite Cobalt® Advanced Transportation Controllers (ATCs) citywide. This update is integrated with a larger Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Statewide Traffic System Modernization Program and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) Technology Advanced Transportation Controller Hardware and Firmware framework.
The ATC controller upgrade it is part of a statewide effort led by VDOT to standardize, modernize, and future proof traffic signal infrastructure across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2017, Econolite won a contract with the VITA to supply ATC hardware and firmware on behalf of VDOT’s Concept of Operations for statewide traffic systems.
The Concept of Operations outlined the need for a unified, modern controller platform capable of supporting stringent: ATC standard hardware; secure, networked field devices; advanced firmware and timing capabilities; integration with statewide and regional central signal systems; and future connected vehicle (CV) and adaptive signal control applications. Econolite’s Cobalt and EOS firmware were selected for this contract, creating a standardized platform that any Virginia locality could use to upgrade its signal system. Newport News is leveraging this VITA approved contract, ensuring compliance with statewide IT standards while accelerating deployment.
In January 2026, Newport News ordered 150 Econolite Cobalt ATC controllers as part of its program to replace legacy controllers across major corridors, improve system reliability and timing coordination, and leverage the platform for its advanced features such as: adaptive control, transit priority, and CV readiness. The Cobalt ATC platform, paired with Econolite’s EOS firmware and its Centracs® ATMS, will help ensure Newport News updated traffic control infrastructure integrates seamlessly with regional and statewide traffic management systems.
