Traffic Management Center
Arlington’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) is a state-of-the-art control center that supports critical operations throughout the County by optimizing our streetlight, traffic signal and traffic camera networksto improve transit operations and provide real-time monitoring.
Features include:
- A mainframe computer that supports streetlights and the signals system for real-time conditions.
- Management of the smart streetlight system, which will save as much as 80 percent in energy costs.
- Management of evacuation routes during emergency situations.
- Ability to update variable message signs with real-time traffic information and incident management updates via Bluetooth technology.
- Detection and monitoring of pedestrian and bike traffic in real-time.
- Ability to monitor transit operations in real time.
The Traffic Management Center is supported by a 45-mile fiber optic network system throughout the County
Did you know? The Transportation Engineering and Operations Bureau manages approximately 300 signalized intersections in the County, with 180-plus traffic cameras located at critical intersections.
Traffic signals provide orderly movement of traffic by assigning rights of way at intersecting streets. They’re usually very effective, but can be inefficient and potentially dangerous to motorists and pedestrians when installed under inappropriate conditions. Signals that are installed when no legitimate need exists often generate an increase in vehicle stops, traffic delays, fuel consumption, traffic accidents and non-compliance.
Installation of traffic signals is preceded by a thorough engineering study. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which contains the standard guidelines for all traffic signals in the United States, including Arlington. The federal standards for traffic signal installation are located on the FHWA’s website.
We began converting traffic signals to light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the mid-2000s. These LEDs modernize the network, reduce overall costs and minimize the environmental impact.
Traffic Signal Construction Activities
Traffic signals are constantly being replaced as they age beyond their lifespan or as capital improvement or developer projects require. The County has specific requirements regarding traffic signal construction activities. Please visit Arlington’s Traffic Signal Specification Updates page for the latest information on these requirements. The County rebuilds several signals each year as part of a signal replacement initiative (Capital Improvement Project) to replace aging infrastructure. Please refer to the project webpage for details regarding active projects.
Adaptive Real-Time Responsive Traffic Signal System
The traffic signal system is configured to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions by continuous monitoring and optimizing of traffic signal operations based on real-time traffic conditions. The system manages traffic flow in Ballston and Pentagon City, and along Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50), Columbia Pike and Lee Highway (U.S. Route 29). Additionally, the system supports emergency evacuation and special event situations. All traffic signals have a backup power supply in the case of power failure.
Traffic Cameras
Closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), or traffic cameras, are used throughout the County to detect congestion and notice accidents. There are currently more than 200 CCTVs located at critical intersections.
HAWK Beacons
A HAWK Beacon (High-intensity Activated CrossWalK) is a device that assists pedestrians and bicyclists safely across busy streets. While different in appearance to the driver than as seen by the pedestrian or bicyclist, HAWKs work the same as button-activated traffic signals. A HAWK stops traffic with a red light, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross safely. At rest, a HAWK remains dark. A HAWK can be triggered automatically or manually with the push button. It will then go through a series of yellow and red sequences requiring motorists to slow down and stop. When the red lights begin flashing, motorists can proceed if the crosswalk is clear in front of them. After pedestrians and bicyclists finish crossing, the HAWK will go dark again, allowing motorists to continue through the intersection.
As of November 2017, HAWK Beacons are located in Arlington at the intersection of South Hayes Street and 12th Street South in Crystal City; along Crystal Drive in Crystal City; at George Mason Drive and South Frederick Street near Wakefield High School; at George Mason Drive between Arlington Boulevard and 4th Street South near the National Guard Bureau entrance; and George Mason Drive and 13th Street South near Randolph Elementary School.
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Interactive Audible ADA Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Audible pedestrian signals are installed as the standard at all new traffic intersections in Arlington. Requests for audible pedestrian signals to be added to an already existing intersection can only be made by the visually impaired person who will be using the signal and will require a meeting with County staff at the location of the signal to determine the specific requirements and available right of way. Requests for audible pedestrian signals should be made to the Customer Call Center at 703-228-6570.
Variable Message Signs (VMS)
Eight VMS are located on Arlington Boulevard (4), Columbia Pike (2) and Lee Highway (2). The first two signs (installed on Arlington Boulevard near the Washington Boulevard interchange) display traffic alerts, such as “congestion ahead.” The other six signs use media access control identification technology to communicate real-time travel information to motorists estimating travel time from the sign location to the County line. These VMS will also be used for incident management and the Amber Alert system.
A variable message sign on Arlington Boulevard.
Rapid Flash Beacons
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is a set of high-intensity yellow lights, mounted below the pedestrian warning sign, adjacent to a crosswalk. When a person on foot approaches the crosswalk, he or she presses an accessible button which activates multiple sets of yellow flashing lights and quickly signals to drivers that they must yield to the crossing pedestrian.
