Katella Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project
The Katella Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project demonstrates how the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) enhanced traffic signal coordination and real‑time control on the Katella Avenue corridor in Los Alamitos, CA. Because the corridor includes many closely spaced intersections, OCTA and Econolite leveraged the Centracs® Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to connect intersections to the Traffic Management Center (TMC). This system gives operators better visibility into performance and the ability to change timing plans quickly when needed.
Project Background
The Katella Avenue corridor includes 25 signalized intersections that required better synchronization, communications, and centralized monitoring. To address these needs, OCTA implemented a fiber communication network linking all intersections back to the TMC at Los Alamitos City Hall. With this network and the Centracs ATMS, operators can see signal health, view CCTV feeds, and recognize issues before they impact travelers.
System Deployment and Integration
To support synchronized operations across the corridor, Econolite served as a sub‑consultant on a multidisciplinary team that configured and installed Centracs ATMS software. This work included:
- Installing drag‑and‑drop interface dashboards for easier signal monitoring
- Connecting all 25 signals to a central fiber‑optic communications network
- Configuring real‑time timing plan control through Centracs
- Enabling CCTV visibility and health monitoring at the TMC
- Supporting operators with tools to spot outages or downtimes quickly
Because the system integrates both field data and central control tools, OCTA operators can respond faster to incidents, adjust signal timing dynamically, and keep the corridor operating smoothly during peak periods.
Key Features of the Synchronization Project
- Centralized traffic signal oversight via Centracs ATMS
- Fiber communication linking all corridor intersections
- Real‑time timing plan adjustments
- CCTV visualization at the Traffic Management Center
- Improved responsiveness to corridor disruptions
Operational Benefits
As a result of this project, OCTA and the City of Los Alamitos now have:
- Better traffic flow through synchronized signals
- Easier real‑time modifications to timing plans
- Enhanced monitoring and signal health awareness
- Greater operational efficiency during peak traffic
- A foundation for future ITS upgrades and connected vehicle support
Overall, the Katella Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project strengthened traffic signal coordination and control across a key Orange County corridor, helping to improve travel reliability and reduce operational delays.
