News Release

Town Activates New Adaptive Traffic Signal Management System

November 3, 2023

The Town of Hilton Head Island is using technology to make drivers’ commutes and trips across the Island easier and faster with the activation of its new adaptive traffic signal management system (ATSM) for all Town signalized intersections. 

The Town operates and maintains traffic signals at 25 intersections along William Hilton Parkway, Palmetto Bay Road, and Pope Avenue. Combined, more than 1 million vehicles pass through those intersections every day. ATSM uses technology to change and adapt the timing of traffic signals based on actual traffic demand.

On November 1, Town staff and its system contractor, Control Technologies, Inc., of Sanford, Florida, activated the new system. Over the next two weeks, the sophisticated technology will acclimatize itself to live traffic and making real-time adjustments to the system. By the end of the month, the new system will continuously adjust and implement improved signal timings to increase traffic flow and reduce traffic delays. Town Staff and the contractor will also observe traffic conditions throughout the month and adjust the system as necessary.

“We are excited to have this new technology in place and operational. As part of our strategic initiatives to enhance the traffic experience for our residents and visitors, we found a system that will help ease congestion, minimize stops and delays, and allow traffic to flow more efficiently through the intersections,” said Shawn Colin, Assistant Town Manager - Community Development. “With adaptive traffic signal management, we will improve traffic flow by optimizing the timing of traffic signals in real-time based on current demand. This will be beneficial with the volume of traffic on William Hilton Parkway and other roads.”

“This innovative system will positively change how people get around the Island, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Our goal is to ensure smoother journeys in both north and south directions while prioritizing safety and maintaining efficient traffic flow," said Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry.

The goals of the system are to:

• Reduce congestion, travel times, intersection delays, and the number of stops on the arterials (main roads).
• Reduce emissions and fuel consumption by decreasing vehicle stop and idle times.
• Improve corridor safety by reducing arterial stops.
• Provide accurate and reliable vehicle, passive pedestrian and bicycle detection systems.
• Adapt traffic signal timing and cycles in real time for incidents such as special events, traffic crashes, construction, weather, or other anomalies.
• Enhance the communications and coordination between the Town and other local public agencies to create a region-wide approach to traffic management.

The system will accommodate additional traffic signals that may be needed in the future and provide continuous real-time monitoring of all intersections. 

Not only does this system make your commute smoother, but it also looks out for pedestrians and cyclists at various intersections. The following enhancements were made as part of the ATMS implementation:

• In-pavement wire sensors were replaced with overhead wireless detectors that indicate when people are crossing roads.
• Thermal-imaging cameras have been added to pedestrian buttons so they can spot people on foot or bikes coming to the crosswalks automatically.
• High-resolution cameras have been installed so Town staff can monitor traffic conditions at every signalized intersection in real-time. These cameras don't record any videos or are not used for law enforcement purposes.

Drivers may report any issues related to signal operations to the Town’s traffic hotline at 843-715-8188 or e-mail trafficissues@hiltonheadislandsc.gov. For more information on the ATSM, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov.