In 2024, the City of Mission was awarded funding through the Carbon Reduction Program Grant, in partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), to enhance the traffic signals along Johnson Drive. Construction began in spring 2026 and included the installation of new communication equipment, cameras, and upgraded traffic signal controllers.

These improvements will allow Johnson Drive to become part of the Operation Green Light (OGL) program, which coordinates traffic signals along the corridor. Once fully operational, the system will improve traffic flow by reducing unnecessary stops and delays, resulting in shorter travel times, lower vehicle emissions, and a more efficient transportation network.

The project is now in its final stages. The last of the equipment was installed at the end of June, and City staff are working with the MARC/OGL team to test the system and collect the data needed to develop and fine-tune the traffic signal timing plans. In addition to improving signal coordination, the new cameras and communication equipment will allow City staff and the OGL team to monitor traffic conditions in real time and make adjustments to signal timing when needed. For example, during construction projects, signal timing can be modified to provide additional green time where traffic volumes are heavier or adjusted as conditions change to help keep traffic moving efficiently. It is important to note that the cameras installed as part of this project are used solely for monitoring, they do not record or store video.

As construction on the west end of Johnson Drive begins later this summer, implementation of signal coordination in that section of the corridor may be delayed until roadway construction is complete. Once finished, the entire corridor will benefit from coordinated signal timing designed to improve traffic flow for everyone traveling through Mission.