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Pleasant Hill accepts CRP-funded signal upgrades on University Avenue to improve traffic flow and cut emissions
Summary
The Pleasant Hill City Council approved acceptance of a Carbon Reduction Program project to update signal controllers and software on University Avenue, a grant-funded effort aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving corridor movement; the project was presented by city staff and Olsson engineers and approved 4-0.
Pleasant Hill — The City Council on June 23 approved acceptance of a transportation improvement project funded through the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) and administered through the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, aimed at reducing vehicle idling and improving traffic flow on the University Avenue corridor.
Public Works Director Russ Paul told the council the project involved updated signal controllers and a new software system designed to smooth traffic progression and lower emissions. Meredith Emory, project engineer with Olsson and Associates, presented the results from the updated controllers and software installation and described the changes as successful in improving corridor movement.
Why it matters: The council framed the project as a traffic management investment that also addresses greenhouse-gas reductions by improving signal timing and reducing stop-and-go conditions. Councilmember Len Murray tied the work to the DMAMPO Freight Plan and said continuous movement along the corridor is important for residents and freight flow. Mayor Sara Kurovski noted fewer resident complaints about signal timing since the improvements.
Public engagement: Resident Marc Swanson asked whether the new system supports emergency-vehicle preemption and whether permissive flashing yellow arrows for turning movements are allowed under the new configuration. City staff answered the question during discussion; the council approved Resolution #062326-06 accepting the CRP project by a 4-0 roll call vote.
Funding and timeline: City staff said the project is grant-funded through DMAMPO and the Carbon Reduction Program; specific grant amounts and project timeline details were not specified in the meeting record.
What’s next: The council’s acceptance keeps the project implementation on track; staff will continue coordination with DMAMPO and contractor Olsson and monitor signal performance and community feedback.
