Green Light-Go Program

The Green Light-Go Program, formally known as Pennsylvania’s Municipal Signal Partnership Program, is a competitive state grant initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Established through Act 89 of 2013 and later revised by Act 101 of 2016, the program was created to improve the efficiency, safety, and operational performance of existing traffic signal systems across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It represents a significant statewide investment in transportation infrastructure, with approximately $40 million allocated for the 2026 funding cycle. The program is structured as a reimbursement grant, requiring applicants to initially cover project costs and then request reimbursement from PennDOT upon execution of a formal agreement. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve traffic safety by upgrading and optimizing existing traffic signal systems. Eligible activities include replacing outdated signal components with LED technology, retiming signals to improve traffic flow, installing advanced monitoring and adaptive signal systems, upgrading detection and controller equipment, and implementing intelligent transportation system applications. Projects must focus on existing traffic signals and demonstrate a useful life of at least five years. The program explicitly excludes the installation of new traffic signals and routine maintenance activities, ensuring that funding is directed toward modernization and operational improvements rather than basic upkeep. Funding may be used for a broad range of project-related expenses, including planning, engineering, design, utilities, right-of-way acquisition, construction, equipment installation, and inspection. However, certain costs such as lobbying, public relations, application preparation, and expenses incurred prior to the execution of the reimbursement agreement are not eligible. A key requirement of the program is a minimum 20 percent matching contribution from the applicant, which can be sourced from local, state, federal, or private funds, excluding certain transportation program funds. Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that matching funds are secured at the time of application, typically through a formal funding commitment letter. Eligible applicants include municipalities such as counties, cities, boroughs, and townships, as well as planning organizations including Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning Organizations. Applicants must meet several pre-submission requirements before applying, including completing a mandatory pre-application scoping form, ensuring that traffic signal asset data is updated in PennDOT’s Traffic Signal Asset Management System, and verifying that a Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement is in place. These prerequisites are designed to ensure project readiness and alignment with program goals. The application process is conducted electronically through Pennsylvania’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance system. Applicants must first submit a pre-application scoping form by January 2, 2026, after which PennDOT provides feedback. Full applications are accepted between March 1 and March 31, 2026. The application requires detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, schedules, and supporting documentation, including maintenance plans and funding commitments. Applicants must also certify compliance with labor laws and nondiscrimination requirements. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that considers factors such as project benefits, regional impact, delivery risk, financial need, leveraging of funds, maintenance performance, and alignment with district priorities. Projects are ranked competitively, and final award decisions are made by PennDOT leadership. Awards for the 2026 cycle are expected to be announced in July 2026, with grant agreements executed shortly thereafter. Funded projects must adhere to strict timelines, with construction completion required by May 2029. For inquiries, applicants may contact PennDOT through the program email GLG@pa.gov or reach out to district-level traffic signal supervisors for project-specific guidance. The program operates on an annual cycle, making it a recurring funding opportunity for municipalities seeking to modernize and improve traffic signal infrastructure across Pennsylvania.

Ensure TSAMS data is fully updated and accurate; provide quantifiable data demonstrating safety and mobility benefits; secure and document matching funds early; align project with regional plans and PennDOT priorities