Park Street Transit Signal Priority & Signal Optimization Project
Project Description
Park Street is a 1.5-mile-long corridor in the City of Alameda and is one of AC Transit’s eleven major corridors identified in the Major Corridors Study (2016). The City previously implemented Transit Signal Priority (TSP) on a segment of Park Street between Blanding Avenue and Central Avenue. This project seeks to extend the TSP network to the intersections at Alameda Avenue, Encinal Avenue (State Route 61), San Jose Avenue, and Otis Drive. The project will also update signal coordination at all ten traffic signals on Park Street, between Blanding Avenue and Otis Drive. The intersection of Park Street and Encinal Avenue/SR-61 is located within Caltrans right-of-way, while the remaining nine intersections are in the City of Alameda right-of-way. The Park Street TSP & Signal Optimization Project is fully funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Bus Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery (BusAID) Program. The BusAID program is an initiative that reduces transit travel times, improves transit reliability, and emphasizes short-term, quick-build solutions at pinch-point locations identified by transit operators.
Key Project Elements
- Installation of new TSP equipment at four intersections and closing the TSP network gap on the project corridor.
- In some locations, there is existing TSP equipment in place that needs to be upgraded. Throughout the project, GPS/radio TSP technology will be newly installed or upgraded. Additionally, this project will update and optimize signal timing coordination at 10 intersections along Park Street to provide more efficient transit and traffic operations.
- Replacement of an old and outdated traffic signal controller and cabinet at the intersection of Park Street and San Jose Avenue.
Project Schedule
Project Design is anticipated to be complete by Fall 2025, with construction expected to be completed in Summer 2026.
Contact Information
- Email: planning@actransit.org
- Phone: (510) 891-7262
- Mail: AC Transit, 1600 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94612
Park Street Proposed Improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transit signal priority and how does it work?
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) is a technology that adjusts the timing of traffic signals to prioritize the movement of transit vehicles. TSP helps reduce delays, and improve efficiency and reliability for transit, helping transit better serve the community.
When a transit vehicle approaches a signalized intersection, the TSP system will request additional green light time from the traffic signal controller using GPS/radio technology. Once the request is received by the traffic signal, the signal may grant additional seconds of green light. While TSP prioritizes transit vehicles, it is designed to minimize the impact on regular vehicular traffic. A requested early or extended green light is only granted by the controller if there is available time to “take” from other approaches due to the lack of side street traffic.
Why are improvements needed on Park Street?
Park Street is one of AC Transit’s eleven major corridors identified in the 2016 Major Corridors Study and serves important lines for the City of Alameda, including the newly circulating Lines 30 and 31. Implementing TSP will help reduce delays for transit vehicles and provide more reliable service for the community. Six of the ten intersections on Park Street already have TSP technology in place, and this project will expand the system to the remaining four intersections. The project will also reevaluate the signal timing to optimize movement of pedestrians, bicycles, buses and vehicles on Park Street.
How will TSP benefit the community?
TSP will benefit the community by reducing travel times for transit riders and by making public transportation more reliable and efficient. TSP and signal optimization can encourage more people to use public transit, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the road, decreasing traffic congestion and travel times along the corridor, and promoting a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of getting around.
How is this project being funded?
The Park Street TSP and Signal Optimization Project is funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Bus Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery (BusAID) Program.
For more information on BusAID, navigate to this link.
Was there any community outreach about this project?
In addition to the publicized project website and fact sheet, community outreach and engagement will be conducted during dedicated time at a transportation commission meeting in Alameda (anticipated for Fall 2025). A presentation will be prepared with time for questions and community input. All materials will be translated into Spanish and Chinese.
How long will the construction take? Will there be any road closures or detours during project implementation?
The design phase of the TSP project will be completed by winter 2025, and construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026. During the construction period, there may be temporary lane closures or detours to facilitate the installation of TSP and traffic signal equipment. These disruptions will be communicated in advance, and efforts will be made to minimize inconvenience to residents and businesses on Park Street.
Will the project affect bus stop locations or parking?
The Park Street TSP project will not affect bus stop locations or parking. The proposed physical improvements in this project include new equipment installed in traffic signal cabinets and on traffic signal poles.
Will the Transit Signal Priority affect emergency vehicles?
The proposed GPS/Radio devices used for TSP are also able to provide Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) for approaching fire trucks and ambulances. Similar to how TSP works, the system will make a request for an approaching emergency vehicle, and the signal controller will interrupt its normal cycle, including any TSP adjustments, to provide a green light for the emergency vehicle and a red light for conflicting traffic.
How can I provide my comments about the project?
Please send your comments to planning@actransit.org or monitor the project webpage at this link to keep informed about any changes or updates.