Lighting Up the Future: Smarter Signals Ahead

The Smart Cities category in the Long Range Transportation Plan came out on top in the public survey, and that enthusiasm has pushed it to the top of the List of Priority Projects. With that kind of support, the timing couldn’t be better to take a closer look at how to strengthen and modernize the region’s traffic signal system.

Recent storms, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, were a clear reminder of why resilient infrastructure matters. They showed the need for stronger backup power options, and for raising certain signal cabinets so they stay protected during flooding. At the same time, some existing structural elements will need upgrades to accommodate new signal heads and keep everything running smoothly.

To get a full picture of what’s out there, the TPO has kicked off an effort to gather a complete dataset of signals across the county: all 1,234 of them. Pulling all of this together is a major step toward building a more coordinated and future-ready system.

A new methodology is also in the works to help prioritize improvements. It awards points based on structural needs, resiliency, signal components, and safety issues, making it easier to identify where upgrades will make the biggest impact. With strong public support and a clear path forward, Hillsborough is well-positioned to build a smarter, more reliable signal network.