The Upland City Council on Oct. 13 awarded a construction contract and authorized contingency funding for a citywide traffic signal safety modification project covering 54 intersections.

Assistant engineer Harry Parr told the council the work includes replacement of existing signal heads with 12‑inch LED units with reflective borders and installation of countdown pedestrian heads at selected locations. The reflective borders are intended to improve signal visibility at night and during power outages. The project was developed after the city’s Local Roadway Safety Plan identified candidates for grant funding; the council previously approved a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 grant for $1.8 million.

The city received 13 bids; staff recommended Econolite Systems as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The total project budget presented to council was approximately $1,580,000 with 90% reimbursable under the HSIP grant and a city match of 10% already budgeted in the CIP. Council awarded the contract to Econolite and authorized a 15% contingency for a total authorization of $1,550,000; staff said a notice of exemption under CEQA will be filed.

Council members and staff discussed whether the project included backup battery power for signals during outages; staff said the grant scope covers the LED heads and pedestrian displays but does not include battery backup systems, which would be a separate, higher‑cost effort. Parr noted the bid process was competitive and that this work is intended to improve nighttime visibility and pedestrian safety at multiple intersections across the city.

Council approved the contract award and contingency by unanimous roll call vote.