ITE: Wisconsin Traffic Signal Optimization with Brian Roper

Wisconsin Signal Timing Optimization Project:  Reinvigorating Proactive Stewardship and Asset Management

Tuesday, Sept 29, 5 pm, SQH 361

The presentation is an exceptional example of 21st century traffic signal operations stewardship strategies for safer and more efficient transportation systems. Rooted in history while planning for the future, the proposed presentation describes the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Regional programmatic implementation. These strategies leverage existing data while maximizing impact with software, hardware, and process changes. The net result is a transportation system that capitalizes on both near- and longer-term possibilities to link people and places in a smarter and more resilient manner. In addition, the proposed presentation has importance and immediacy for transportation professionals. The overall approach and individual strategies are scalable to agency size and budgets. Also, there is no dependence of these principles on specific software or hardware. Reawakening the profession to the potential and positivity associated with a reinvigorated traffic signal operations program will yield benefits to all users.


The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorized a new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) to reduce transportation emissions. Given that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Southeast Region (Metro Milwaukee) is responsible for over 500 traffic signals across seven counties, one CRP strategy would be improving signalization. Dubbed the Wisconsin Signal Timing Optimization Project (WISTOP), this comprehensive effort will provide great benefit to all roadway users with both signal retiming and intersection infrastructure upgrades. Beginning in 2024, WISTOP has addressed nearly all of Southeast Region’s coordinated signals over a 3-year program (approximately 130 per year) as well as other locations. This presentation will provide a scan of proven strategies and the evolution of funding to the current day. In addition, WISTOP's key activities will be described.