The Rise of Advanced Traffic Control Cabinets and Their Success Story in Texas
The growth of the Advanced Traffic Controller Cabinet (ATC) is unparalleled in the industry. When older traffic control cabinet technologies reached the end of their functional life due to obsolescence and limited expansion capabilities, SWARCO McCain and a few partners took the lead and developed the official ATC cabinet specification for the industry.
This groundbreaking standard gave rise to the finest in rack mount and serial-based designs, catering to modern intersections. It features smarter, high-density components and advanced traffic control functionality, providing unmatched intersection management.
These dependable cabinets meet the requirements of modern smart cities and are prepared for future opportunities, such as connected vehicles. SWARCO McCain is the industry standard for ATC Cabinets, boasting superior build quality, controller compatibility, third-party integration, interoperability, and top-tier testing for seamless deployment.
ATC cabinets have become the industry standard and are now widely adopted by DOTs across the U.S., and notably in Texas. We are proud to highlight a few of the ATC installs below.
Cedar Park: The First City to Adopt and Implement ATC Cabinets
A decade ago, Cedar Park, located on the northern border of Austin, Texas, became the first jurisdiction in the state to adopt SWARCO McCain’s ATC Cabinets. The first cabinet was installed on September 16, 2014, on Cypress Creek Rd & East Salido Parkway. This decision marked a significant transition from the NEMA TS2 standard to a more advanced and future-proof traffic management system.
In September 2014, Cedar Park achieved another first by installing ATC Cabinets at all 56 signalized intersections within the city, becoming the first city in the United States to achieve such comprehensive coverage for road users.
Fort Worth: Bridging the Technology Gap
Fort Worth was the second city in Texas to adopt ATC technology. The city faced significant challenges with outdated traffic management systems, relying on 1970s cabinets with traffic controllers from the 1990s.
The transition to new ATC Cabinets in Fort Worth's Transportation and Public Works Department addressed the issue of using outdated technology in 2014. This move was a logical step to bridge the gap from older, outdated analog technology to the new generation of communications using Ethernet technology.
The ATC Cabinets have significantly improved Fort Worth’s traffic flow by providing state-of-the-art technology that enhances communications and seamlessly troubleshoots issues.
Austin's Ambitious Adoption
The City of Austin signed a five-year contract with SWARCO McCain. Austin, the Texas State Capital, began an ambitious plan to future-proof its city with over 80 ATC Cabinets. The first batch of 20 cabinets was installed in November 2020, setting the stage for a more connected and efficient traffic management system.
The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department’s Arterial Management Division is using the ATC specification to replace existing signal controller cabinets that are no longer functioning and are non-repairable.
Garland's Independent Decision
Garland, located 55 miles east of Fort Worth and 20 miles northeast of Dallas, was the fourth city in Texas city to adopt ATC Cabinets in 2018. Garland conducted a thorough evaluation of the available technologies and made an independent choice based on their specific needs to adopt SWARCO McCain's ATC Cabinets.
Their TS1 cabinets had been in use since about 1989, and TS2s since 2000. After consulting with the City of Coppell, which had positive feedback about the ATC Cabinets, Garland made the switch. Additionally, SWARCO McCain’s exceptional customer service was evident when they resolved issues with two different cabinets, one of which was out of warranty, showcasing their commitment to customer care and technical excellence.
The Outcome of a Strong Partnership
The collaboration between Texas and SWARCO McCain has shown impressive results. The three versatile ATC cabinet types offered by SWARCO McCain are tailored to fit various locations, meeting every requirement effectively.
In the City of Coppell, SWARCO McCain ATC Cabinets are now installed and fully operational at all 37 major intersections, further cementing the company’s reputation as the advanced traffic management OEM and supplier of choice in the Lone Star State.
With well over 3000 ATC Cabinet deployments across the United States, SWARCO McCain remains at the forefront of advanced traffic solutions, continuing to focus on innovation and core values of enhanced safety, modularity, and energy efficiency.
A Chronological List of the Texas Cities that have Adopted SWARCO McCain, Inc’s ATC Cabinets since 2014:
Cedar Park - 2014
Fort Worth - 2014
Coppell - 2016
Garland - 2018
Farmers Branch - 2018
Montgomery County - 2018
Wylie - 2019
Allen - 2019
Austin - 2019
Lubbock - 2020
Highland Park - 2020
Prosper - 2020
Richardson - 2020
Tyler - 2020
Dallas - 2020
Desoto - 2021
Grand Prairie - 2022
Flower Mound - 2022
McKinney - 2022
Rowlett - 2022
With Rowlett being the 20th city to adopt SWARCO McCain’s ATC Cabinets, this spread marks a significant evolution in Texas’s travel times and traffic management landscape.
