Davids Highlights Approved Funding Request to Replace Outdated Traffic Signal Controllers, Streetlights in Overland Park

Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Overland Park to highlight her recently approved federal funding request to update approximately 190 traffic signal controllers that are too old for future maintenance. This project, which is one of 15 Davids-sponsored requests, would improve safety for drivers and help ensure the city’s systems are less susceptible to cyber threats. Davids was joined by Overland Park City Council President Jim Kite and City Traffic Engineer Brian Shields to view the project, which includes street lighting improvements.

“In our community and across the country, we are seeing too many traffic accidents, some being fatal, due to outdated infrastructure and technology meant to keep us safe,” said Davids. "While the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to invest in safer infrastructure, Overland Park’s current traffic system is too old for maintenance — putting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk. I'm glad to work with our local officials to bring federal investments home and make our communities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to keep up with our growing community.”

"Representative Davids has been a great partner in the City of Overland Park's efforts to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety in the community,” said Jim Kite, President, Overland Park City Council. “We thank her for her work to move this project forward and hope to continue collaborating for the community in the future."

Overland Park’s current traffic signal controllers, which conduct real-time road traffic control in accordance with the time of day and traffic conditions, are not capable of being upgraded and supported by the manufacturer due to old age. This poses a significant safety and security risk for the city as the traffic signal network helps ensure that thousands of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can commute to work, school, and home each day. Davids’ request to replace 190 older traffic signal controllers, as well as replace street lighting, would contribute to the safety of Kansans at all times of day and decrease the threat of cyber-attacks.

More information on the City of Overland Park’s funding request can be found here. Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects was submitted in conjunction with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.

As part of her "State of our Systems" series, Davids previously released a report examining the state of transportation safety in the Third District of Kansas. Additional reports focus on bridges, roads, and water in the Third District.