McCain's QuicTrac(TM) Adaptive Signal Control Improves Traffic Flow in Woodland Park

VISTA, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 28, 2012) - McCain Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of intelligent transportation systems, traffic control equipment and parking guidance solutions, today announced the successful completion and favorable evaluation of its latest QuicTrac™ adaptive control project in the City of Woodland Park, Colorado. The study, a comparison of two adaptive systems, proves McCain's ability to improve traffic operations at a fraction of the cost, while generating more than double the benefit-to-cost ratio. The system improved travel times, reduced fuel consumption, and generated significant positive feedback from residents, underscoring its impact on the community as a whole.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Region 2 selected McCain's QuicTrac adaptive signal control for the eight intersection project along a 3.65-mile span of United States Highway 24 (US 24), where average daily traffic ranges from 19,000 - 26,000 vehicles. By collecting data from system detectors to establish traffic conditions, the QuicTrac system is able to make continuous adjustments to signal timing to accommodate real-time demand. The system has already improved system-wide operations by reducing wasted costs in the form of travel time, driver delay, fuel consumption, and the cost for staff to maintain and retime the signals.

"We are pleased to have partnered with Traffic Signal Controls and CDOT Region 2 on this project," said Brian Wagner, ITS solutions manager for McCain Inc. "Adaptive signal control has been around for decades but it's only recently, largely through the support of federal funds and initiatives such as FHWA's EDC (Federal Highway Administration's Every Day Counts) initiative, that we've seen the technology really gain traction across the nation."

According to the comprehensive third-party study by Atkins, McCain's QuicTrac adaptive signal control software reduced travel times by 6% on weekdays and 19% on weekends, while reducing delays by 15% and 54%, respectively. The system also reduced fuel consumption by 2% on weekdays and 5% on weekends. Based on operational improvements, the report estimates an annual savings of $820,000 for Region 2 and road users, totaling more than $5.3 million over the first 20 years the system is in operation.

"The before/after study of the adaptive signal control system on US 24 in Woodland Park shows a benefit-to-cost ratio of 5.64, and paid for itself in less than a year," said Terry Shippy, traffic operations engineer with CDOT Region 2. "Prior to the QuicTrac installation, we were running time-of-day plans. Now, the signal timing plans dynamically adjust to demand. A significant part [of the project] was the installation of local controller software that gave us greater reliability and flexibility. We received encouraging feedback and the number of complaints dramatically decreased."

About McCain Inc.
McCain Inc., now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a leading provider of intelligent transportation solutions. Founded in 1987, McCain has maintained a steadfast focus on utilizing advanced technologies and top-quality products to promote urban mobility and reduce congestion for the cities of today and tomorrow. As a vertically integrated company, McCain's products are produced at state-of-the-art North American facilities, totaling 300,000 square feet between the United States and Mexico.

McCain is a pioneer in advanced traffic control equipment, intelligent transportation systems, and parking guidance. To learn more, visit www.mccain-inc.com.