2026 3 9 Work Session Packet City Council 1

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PUBLIC WORKS

TO: Randall Dowling, City Manager

FROM: Kevin L. Helms, Project Manager

Cc: Ben Burchfield, Public Works Director

DATE: March 5, 2026

SUBJECT: Traffic Signal Modernization Program (TSMP) 2026

Background
In 2025, the City of Athens applied for and received funding through the Traffic Signal Modernization
Program (TSMP) grant administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation {TDOT). The

program assists municipalities with updating and modernizing traffic signals within their transportation
systems.

The 2025 funding was used to upgrade traffic signals along Green Street and White Street from Elizabeth
Street to Ingleside Avenue/Washington Avenue.

The City is eligible to submit another application in 2026 to address additional signals within the system.
The maximum grant request is $125,000, and no local match is required. However, if the total project cost
exceeds the maximum grant amount, the City would be responsible for funding the remaining balance.

After evaluating the age and condition of various traffic signals, staff has identified the intersection of
College Street with White Street and Jackson Street as the best candidate for the 2026 TSMP application.
Pedestrian improvements at this intersection were also identified as a priority in the Downtown Master

Plan and were frequently mentioned during public input collected as part of the Bike and Pedestrian
Master Plan.

The proposed improvements include:
e Actuated pedestrian detection
e Emergency vehicle signal preemption
e Vehicle detection for six approaches
e Updated traffic signal controller

The estimated project cost is $185,000. Allowing for contingency, the total project cost is estimated at
approximately $200,000. Based on this estimate, the City would need to allocate approximately $75,000
in local funds in addition to the $125,000 TSMP grant to complete the project.

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