Purpose of Project

The purpose of the Virginia Avenue Smart Corridor Study led by the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts was to evaluate technology projects or strategies to address mobility, walkability, and safety along the 2-mile corridor between US 29/Main Street and S. Central Avenue.  The outcome of the study was a recommended project list and implementation plan.

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Our Role on the Project

As the lead consultant (prime), MMP led or oversaw all elements of the Virginia Avenue Smart Corridor Study, including public engagement, stakeholder coordination, existing conditions along the corridor, needs and opportunities, a robust best practice report of new and emerging technologies, project prioritization, recommendations, and the implementation and phasing plan.

 

​Over 30 types of technology strategies were researched in detail, including technologies related to traffic signals, bicycle and pedestrian safety, transit, street lighting, pavement and/or sidewalks, wayfinding, parking, electric vehicle charging, video surveillance, public wi-fi, curbside management, phone apps, and data exchange.

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Problem Solvers

Early in the study, we found that of the 10 traffic signals along the corridor, only one was owned and maintained by GDOT.  The other nine were owned by three different jurisdictions (Cities of College Park, East Point, and Hapeville), none of which had resources to upgrade and/or retime the signals.  By coordinating early and facilitating regular communication between GDOT and the three cities, we were able to get several recommendations implemented prior to the completion of the study at no cost to the jurisdictions.  GDOT replaced two outdated signal cabinets and updated all ten traffic signals along the corridor with 4G LTE routers and MaxTime software, which included the capability of signal phasing and timing (SPaT) information for connected vehicles (CV).   GDOT also re-timed the signals along the corridor to optimize traffic along the corridor.  Furthermore, GDOT agreed to install 4G LTE routers and MaxTime software at ALL traffic signals in the ENTIRETY of the Cities of College Park, East Point, and Hapeville, regardless of who owns and maintains them and completed all of these upgrades shortly after the end of the study.  GDOT also trained the three cities in how to re-time signals in the future using MaxView from their desktops in their office.