Resilient Streets & Systems
The Resilient Streets & Systems pillar focuses on strengthening the City’s core transportation infrastructure, both above and below ground, to ensure long-term durability, reliability, and readiness for emerging mobility technologies. This includes expanding Alexandria’s fiber-optic backbone, upgrading outdated field equipment, and modernizing the digital and physical systems that support daily operations. By investing in a more robust fiber network, the City can improve communications to traffic signals, sensors, cameras, and future connected-vehicle technologies. These upgrades also create a stronger foundation for advanced analytics, real-time system monitoring, digital twin applications, and seamless data exchange across departments.
Project Description: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Phase IV
The purpose of this project is to expand the City of Alexandria’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network through the fourth phase of the multi-year fiber and communications infrastructure program. Phase IV builds on previous investments to enhance the City’s broadband connectivity for traffic management, safety, and mobility technologies.
This phase will install additional fiber optic conduit and cable, connect 46 traffic signals, and add 10 new traffic surveillance cameras. The project also includes upgrades to the Transportation Management Center (TMC) with new equipment, video monitors, and advanced system controls to support future smart mobility and connected vehicle technologies.
Overall Project Status
The project is active and in the construction phase, following its official kickoff in July 2025. The contractor is coordinating closely with the City to ensure the TMC upgrade work does not impact ongoing operations, especially during snow season.
Construction activities are currently focused along the South Van Dorn Street corridor, with minor sidewalk and traffic impacts expected. Phase 1 of civil work is underway, and the full project is anticipated to be substantially complete by Summer 2027.
PROJECT TIMELINE
- Planning: 2020 – 2021
- Design: 2025-2026
- Construction: 2026-2028
- Completion: Anticipated Summer 2028
Project Description: Broadband Link for Eisenhower Avenue
The purpose of this project is to expand the City of Alexandria’s broadband fiber network along Eisenhower Avenue, enhancing connectivity between key corridors and supporting future smart mobility technologies. The Broadband Link for Eisenhower Avenue will install new fiber optic conduit and cable between Van Dorn Street and Clermont Avenue, providing high-speed communications to synchronize traffic signals, enable new CCTV cameras, and support upcoming Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Smart Mobility initiatives.
This project complements the City’s ongoing ITS and Adaptive Signal Control deployments, strengthening the digital backbone that supports efficient, resilient, and data-driven transportation management.
Overall Project Status
The project is active and in the construction phase, following multiple rounds of coordination with VDOT to address funding gaps and refine the construction approach.
After two previous bid advertisements exceeded the available budget, the City successfully secured an additional $1 million in SMART SCALE funds, bringing the total construction budget to $2.38 million. The project has since been readvertised with a bid opening scheduled for November 2025.
PROJECT TIMELINE
- Planning: 2020 – 2021
- Design: 2021 – 2023
- Construction: 2025 – 2027