The North Central Texas Council of Governments is partnering with six cities throughout Dallas-Fort Worth to deploy a traffic signal optimization program for freight trucks in key corridors.

What’s happening

The program will be deployed across more than 500 traffic signals within the participating cities, according to an Aug. 13 news release from NCTCOG. Program participants include:
  • McKinney
  • Arlington
  • Carrollton
  • Fort Worth
  • Garland
  • Grand Prairie
  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
The program aims to improve traffic flow through intersections with traffic signals by helping freight vehicles stop at fewer red lights. The program is based on cloud-computing technology and is designed to save money, time and field while reducing emissions, according to the news release.

How it works

Truck drivers must register online to download the Freightpriority Ecodrive app, which then interacts with traffic signals to extend green lights. The program does not require new hardware to be installed on the traffic signal or the truck, according to the project website.


Technology has been deployed along several major freight corridors in Dallas-Fort Worth, including:
  • SH 5 in McKinney
  • US 380 in McKinney
  • Old Denton Road in Carrollton
  • North Josey Lane in Carrollton
A map is available online that shows where the new traffic signal technology has been deployed.

The app will also advise recommended travel times to drivers to reach a green light that is red. More information about the project can be found at www.freightpriority.com.

Quote of note

“The benefits to our community, which include enhanced road safety, improved quality of life and environmental consciousness, are significant,” NCTCOG Senior Program Manager Natalie Bettger said in a statement. “The technology works with traffic management systems to provide a few more seconds of green time to allow the heavy vehicle to pass through the intersection without stopping. It requires no additional hardware in the truck or in the traffic signal cabinet.”