Folsom moves to align traffic signals with Light Rail trains

Folsom officials took steps this week to coordinate traffic signals on Folsom Boulevard with "preemptive" Light Rail trains. The Folsom City Council agreed Tuesday to hire a traffic consultant to improve Light Rail traffic signals along the corridor, often upstaged by transit trains. Folsom Boulevard serves as a key north-south arterial route in the city. Multiple intersections along the corridor are equipped with traffic signals that are regularly taken over by preempted Light Rail trains due on the parallel Sacramento Regional Transit Gold Line, authorities said. "These preemption events disrupt signal timing coordination along the corridor, contributing to increased vehicular delay and reduced operational efficiency," authorities said in the council report Tuesday. The city issued a request for qualified traffic engineering services to improve signal coordination and functionality along Folsom Blvd. from Iron Point Road to Natoma Street. Two proposals were received, and Kimley-Horn and Associates received the highest overall score. "Their proposal demonstrated superior qualifications," staff said. The project includes reviewing existing timing plans, developing updated signal coordination strategies and preparing statements that define signal controller behavior under preemption events. The consultant will also conduct simulation modeling to evaluate proposed changes, assist with field work and deliver final documentation including timing sheets, diagrams and performance evaluations. The contract with Kimley-Horn is for $242,580, staff said. The Light Rail Project is included in the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan, with a total project budget of $200,000, funded through the Light Rail Impact Fee Fund. The vote included an appropriation of $42,580 from the Light Rail Impact Fee Fund for the contract. Sufficient funds are available in the Light Rail Impact Fee Fund to cover the request, staff said.