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Council moves forward on fiber network design and traffic-signal optimization
Summary
The council approved a consulting services agreement to design a citywide fiber network and optimize traffic signals. Staff said about 127 signals exist but only roughly 40 are reliably connected; the project aims to enable real-time traffic monitoring and improved emergency response.
The Torrance City Council voted Nov. 18 to award a consulting services agreement for the design of a city fiber network and for traffic-signal optimization.
Public works staff said the project would create a more reliable network to connect traffic signals to the traffic management center. "Currently, our city manage a 127 signals, but they're not really on a reliable connection to the traffic management center," Helen Xi of Public Works said. Xi said about 40 intersections are connected now and that fiber would enable video streaming, real-time monitoring and adjustments to green time based on demand.
Councilman Sheikh asked about public awareness and whether the project would affect traffic flow during construction; staff responded the primary benefit is a reliable system that reduces staff time repairing intersections, improves emergency-vehicle response and lowers long-term costs.
Staff clarified the project does not directly affect traffic signals owned by Caltrans on Hawthorne Boulevard, though the city could connect with Caltrans-managed signals in the future if opportunities arise.
The motion to accept the design agreement was made, seconded and carried at the meeting. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript beyond the clerk saying the motion carried with one member absent for related votes on the consent calendar earlier in the evening.
Next steps include finalizing the consultant contract, completing the design phase and returning to council with project details and potential construction timing for any subsequent approvals.
