Teton County Considers Removal of Transportation Signal Prioritization from Build Grant

The Jackson Town Council meeting on August 18, 2025, focused on the future of transportation signal prioritization (TSP) in the area, a topic raised by Councilman Regan during a previous workshop. TSP aims to give priority to START buses at traffic signals, allowing them to turn green as they approach, thereby encouraging public transit use over single-occupancy vehicles. This initiative is part of a larger federal BUILD grant that includes various projects benefiting both the town and Teton County.

During the meeting, it was discussed that both the START board and the Teton County Board of County Commissioners recommended removing TSP from the current BUILD grant. The decision was not due to a lack of interest but rather concerns about timing and the need for further infrastructure improvements, such as dedicated bus lanes. Council members expressed that without these enhancements, simply turning signals green for buses may not significantly alleviate traffic congestion.

Additionally, the council highlighted the importance of coordinating with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) regarding the ongoing reconstruction of Highway 22. The council believes that TSP could be more effective if implemented alongside other improvements, such as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

The discussion also included the necessity of conducting a consolidated operations plan (con ops) study, which YDOT requires before allowing the use of TSP technology. This study, expected to take four to six months and cost approximately $150,000, will assess the impacts of TSP on the traffic signal network. The council emphasized that this is not a permanent abandonment of TSP but a strategic pause to ensure the project is viable and effective.

In conclusion, the council's decision to request the removal of TSP from the BUILD grant reflects a careful consideration of timing and infrastructure needs. The next steps involve conducting the con ops study and potentially seeking additional funding to ensure the successful implementation of TSP in the future.