The City of Nampa is the third most populous city in the State of Idaho. It is a thriving community situated about 20 miles west of the State’s capitol of Boise. According to the City’s Transportation Master Plan, the population is expected to grow 50% by 2040. In addition, the number of jobs in Nampa is also expected to grow by 67 percent to 70,000 jobs inside the city limits within the same period. The City is also part of the larger Nampa-Meridian-Boise metroplex with a combined population exceeding 400,000 residents.
In 2026, the City selected Econolite to deliver a comprehensive, turnkey Vulnerable User Identification and Safety (VIS) Demonstration System leveraging a non-intrusive lidar detection system. To achieve this, Econolite worked with its partner, Ouster, to deploy a multimodal detection solution. This system is capable of identifying and tracking pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles in real time. As a result, the system is designed to reduce conflicts, enhance situational awareness, and improve overall roadway safety through advanced analytics and responsive signal operations.
Project Snapshot
| Agency | City of Nampa, ID |
| Project Type | Vulnerable User Identification and Safety (VIS) Demonstration System |
| Scope | Turnkey deployment of Ouster lidar sensors and Bluecity software across six signalized intersections, supporting nine safety use cases |
| Key Technologies | Ouster Lidar Sensors, Bluecity Perception & Safety Analytics, Cobalt ATC Controllers, EOS Controller Firmware, Centracs ATMS |
Key Project Outcomes
- Improved vulnerable road users safety through advanced sensing and analytics technology
- Real-time identification and tracking of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles
- Continuous, high-resolution data on road user movements, classifications, speeds, and trajectories
- Detection of near-miss events and potential safety risks
- Support for nine defined safety use cases, including pedestrian crossing extensions and dynamic all-red extensions
The system reduces conflicts, enhances situational awareness, and improves overall roadway safety through advanced analytics.
Project Overview
The City’s VIS project is a forward-looking initiative to improve roadway safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users through advanced sensing and analytics technology. Specifically, the project aligns with the US DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Therefore, it supports the City’s broader vision to enhance safety, mobility, and data-driven decision-making along key corridors, including the 12th Avenue Road corridor.
For this project, Econolite deployed Ouster’s lidar sensors and Bluecity perception and safety analytics software across six signalized intersections. Ultimately, the system will provide continuous, high-resolution data on road user movements, classifications, speeds, and trajectories. At the same time, it enables the detection of near-miss events and potential safety risks.
This effort aligns with broader safety initiatives such as video detection and safety enhancement projects that improve multimodal operations.
Deployment and Installation
The solution will interface directly with the City’s existing ITS infrastructure. Notably, this setup includes Econolite’s Cobalt ATC controllers powered by EOS controller firmware, and Centracs ATMS. This ITS foundation enables virtually seamless integration for real-time signal actuation and safety-based operational adjustments.
Furthermore, the VIS project supports nine defined safety use cases. These cases include pedestrian crossing extensions, passive pedestrian detection, dynamic all-red extensions, dilemma zone protection, and adaptive left-turn phasing. In conclusion, the system also provides detailed performance analytics, event logging, and reporting tools to support ongoing evaluation, validation, and long-term planning.
Similar large-scale deployments, such as traffic signal system programs, demonstrate the importance of maintaining and upgrading intersection technology.
Technology Used in This Project
- Traffic Detection Systems
- Traffic Signal Controllers
- Traffic Management Software
- Professional Services
Operational Benefits
The deployment of the Vulnerable User Identification and Safety Demonstration System provides Nampa with:
- Enhanced vulnerable road users safety and behavior tracking
- Seamless integration with Cobalt ATC controllers and EOS controller firmware
- Real-time signal actuation and safety-based operational adjustments
- Detailed performance analytics, event logging, and reporting tools
- A clear validation phase running from May 2026 to April 2027
Moreover, these capabilities allow the city to plan for future traffic growth effectively. Advanced systems such as traffic data analytics platforms can further enhance system performance and planning.
Ready to Improve Pedestrian Safety?
Econolite provides advanced pedestrian and traffic solutions to improve accessibility, safety, and mobility. Contact Econolite to learn how your agency can deploy accessible pedestrian signal systems.
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