Efficient traffic management is essential for cities experiencing growth, and Port Angeles is no exception. Located along the Olympic Peninsula, this coastal city experienced rising congestion on Highway 101 and throughout its downtown core, straining its aging infrastructure and creating operational and public safety challenges.
The City of Port Angeles identified a clear need: a modernized traffic management approach that could adapt to real-time conditions, improve travel time reliability, and support broader sustainability and safety goals.
Challenge: Rigid Signals and Limited Visibility
Port Angeles’ existing fixed-time signal system had served its purpose but was no longer meeting the city’s evolving needs. Peak-period traffic overwhelmed key corridors, and emergency vehicle response was slowed by inflexible timing plans. With no centralized oversight or real-time data, city staff had limited ability to adjust signal operations or respond to field issues proactively.
To keep traffic moving efficiently—for both locals and visitors—the city needed an adaptive, connected system capable of real-time responsiveness and long-term reliability.
Solution: Adaptive Signals and Centralized Management
In response, Port Angeles initiated a citywide traffic upgrade focused on building a more responsive signal network. The updated system includes adaptive signal timing, remote monitoring, and real-time traffic detection across critical intersections.
Functional improvements include:
- Detection-based signal control, allowing real-time responsiveness to vehicle volume
- Remote signal management through a centralized traffic management center
- Emergency response prioritization, improving clearance during critical events
- Data collection tools to support vehicle classification and traffic pattern analysis
By enabling city staff to monitor and adjust operations remotely, Port Angeles is reducing reliance on field maintenance and building a system that can scale with community needs.
Community Outcomes and Long-Term Value
This deployment is already delivering early benefits ahead of its expected 2025 completion:
- Improved mobility for drivers and pedestrians through more consistent signal coordination.
- Faster emergency response times due to dynamic signal adjustments.
- Lower emissions thanks to fewer idle periods and smoother progression.
- Proactive maintenance through health monitoring tools that flag issues early.
These improvements align with the city’s Vision Zero and sustainability initiatives, while also supporting regional growth and visitor access.
Focus on Reliability in a Coastal Environment
Given the Pacific Northwest’s unique climate and terrain, system durability was a critical planning consideration. The upgraded traffic cabinets and communications infrastructure were selected to withstand salt air, moisture, and seasonal fluctuations, minimizing disruption and ensuring long-term performance.
By investing in robust, adaptable technology, Port Angeles is building a smarter traffic network that supports both current demands and future growth.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Technical Alignment
The City of Port Angeles selected Western Systems based on their proven track record in supporting agency-led infrastructure upgrades. The partnership was grounded in shared priorities: operational reliability, long-term sustainability, and a practical approach to solving real-world traffic challenges. Western Systems supported the deployment with adaptive signal solutions, field-hardened NEMA cabinets tailored to Pacific Northwest conditions, and communication tools that aligned with the city’s technical requirements.
Beyond the equipment, Western Systems brought a collaborative mindset and a deep understanding of public-sector processes, working closely with city staff to ensure each phase of the project met both engineering standards and community goals. This alignment made the partnership a strong fit from the outset.
Looking Ahead
Port Angeles’ traffic modernization effort is a strong example of how local agencies are leading the way in smarter infrastructure management. Through strategic planning and cross-departmental coordination, the city is creating safer, more sustainable streets—and laying the groundwork for ongoing improvements.
A Model for Smarter Traffic Management
Port Angeles’ upgrade to adaptive signal control and centralized monitoring reflects how cities can modernize infrastructure to improve safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability. By integrating technologies like Currux Vision for AI-based detection, Tactics for system coordination, and wireless communications from Intuicom and Actelis, the city is now better equipped to respond to real-time traffic conditions, support emergency operations, and reduce congestion across critical corridors.
To explore how these tools can support your agency’s goals, contact Western Systems today for responsive traffic solutions tailored to your community.