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Marion engineers outline $3.8M traffic signal upgrades, seek state and federal grants
Summary
Snyder and Associates presented a traffic master plan noting 34 standard signals (38 total), 42% older than 20 years, and recommended prioritized replacements and communications upgrades. Staff will pursue TSIP and ICAP grants and budget CIP funds for multi‑year work.
Tim Maroc of Snyder and Associates presented Marion's 2026 traffic master plan, describing objectives to improve safety, efficiency and to move from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management. Maroc told council Marion has 34 standard traffic signals (38 total when specialty signals are included), that 42% of signals are 20 years or older, and that a typical intersection replacement costs about $250,000–$300,000.
"You have 34 traffic signals, but really 38 overall," Maroc said while outlining detection, cabinet, and communication upgrades the plan recommends. The presentation emphasized securing funding (ICAP and TSIP), budgeting CIP dollars for phased replacements, and implementing monitoring and advanced detection to reduce maintenance calls and increase reliability.
Maroc described near-term grant targets: flashing yellow arrow heads, protected lefts in high-speed locations, and advanced detection; staff recommended applying for a TSIP award (state program, $500,000 max) and continuing to pursue ICAP funding to bring fiber and adaptive coordination to signals. Council members asked whether upgrades require full signal replacement or could be achieved by replacing cabinets and communications; Maroc said many upgrades can be done by replacing the cabinet "brains" and adding cameras or detection where poles and mast arms remain serviceable.
Council discussion also covered costs and timelines. Staff noted the master-plan short-term list totals about $3.8 million, with near-term grant-targeted items roughly $1.04 million; some items will be placed into future CIP planning and pursued year-to-year as grant opportunities arise.
Several council members expressed support for the plan and relief at expected improved coordination and reduced delays. Mayor Abu Asli said the signals' coordination is noticeable when leaving Marion toward Cedar Rapids, and members encouraged staff to prioritize high-risk and high-traffic locations during grant applications.
