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Tag: Western Systems

  • City of Lancaster and First Public Hydrogen Launch Hydrogen-Powered Backup Traffic Signals

    New partnership brings reliable power to intersections: boosting community safety and infrastructure resilience


    LANCASTER, Calif., October 21, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The City of Lancaster, First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2), and Western Systems have partnered to deploy hydrogen-powered backup traffic signals, a major infrastructure upgrade that enhances traffic safety, ensures reliable operations during power outages, and supports the City’s decarbonization initiatives. This marks the latest milestone in the City and FPH2’s work to help cities integrate hydrogen into essential public services.

    The new backup systems, powered by HyMax fuel cells, keep traffic intersections functioning during blackouts and disruptions. Conditions that are becoming increasingly common due to grid strain, wildfires, and extreme weather.

    “Lancaster has always embraced innovation when it comes to public safety and infrastructure,” said Lancaster Mayor and FPH2 Chairman R. Rex Parris. “Projects such as these reflect our commitment to practical, forward-looking investments that make life better for our residents. It is an example of how hydrogen can support vital infrastructure where it’s needed most. We’re proud to partner to launch this in Lancaster and provide a practical solution that keeps traffic flowing and communities protected.”

    HyMax fuel cells, manufactured by Western Systems, are designed for long runtime and minimal maintenance. With no internal moving parts and a compact footprint, the systems provide a dependable alternative to diesel generators for traffic management and other critical services.

    The backup signal installation is part of a broader strategy to deploy hydrogen across Lancaster’s municipal systems, including transportation, emergency services, and utility operations. Through collaboration with FPH2, the city is advancing a hydrogen model that supports reliability, safety, and operational continuity.

    FPH2 is working with cities to integrate hydrogen in ways that deliver tangible value. This project demonstrates the role hydrogen can play in supporting core municipal functions, from traffic safety to emergency response, while delivering real value to communities. Formed by the City of Lancaster and the City of Industry as a public Joint Powers Authority, FPH2 connects hydrogen producers with reliable off-takers through a seamless, transparent process.

    Through its Joint Powers Authority structure, FPH2 enables public agencies to access shared tools for procurement, technical planning, and infrastructure deployment at no cost to participants. The organization continues to invite cities, transit providers, and local utilities to explore how hydrogen can strengthen their operations.

    About the City of Lancaster
    Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster is a national leader in sustainability and was the first city in the world to declare itself a Hydrogen City. Located in northern Los Angeles County, the city is known for its commitment to innovation, renewable energy, and public-private partnerships that serve the community.

    Learn more at www.cityoflancasterca.org.

    About First Public Hydrogen (FPH2)
    First Public Hydrogen (FPH2) is the nation’s first public hydrogen utility-a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that connects hydrogen producers with public and private end users through a transparent, cost-effective platform. FPH2 is building a shared hydrogen ecosystem that enables municipalities, water and transit agencies, and businesses to access clean hydrogen for fuel and operations. Through centralized procurement and planning, FPH2 lowers barriers to entry and helps scale hydrogen adoption statewide and beyond.

    Learn more at www.firstpublich2.com.

    About HyMax
    HyMax is a hydrogen-powered backup system that provides reliable, zero-emissions energy for critical infrastructure. Manufactured by Western Systems, HyMax is designed to keep intersections powered during outages, offering cities a low-maintenance solution for traffic resilience.

    Learn more at hymax-inc.com.

    Source: Western Systems

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  • Page, AZ Optimizes Traffic Flow with AI in Extreme Desert Conditions

    Facing seasonal surges and extreme desert conditions, Page, AZ upgrades two key intersections with AI-driven signal operations and IoT connectivity to improve safety, efficiency, and the travel experience for residents and millions of visitors.


    PAGE, Ariz., October 9, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The City of Page, Arizona, known as the gateway to Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Grand Canyon, has completed a significant traffic technology upgrade to improve safety, efficiency, and the driving experience for both residents and the millions of visitors who pass through each year.

    To address seasonal traffic surges and the harsh environmental conditions of the desert – glare, dust, deep shadows, and extreme heat – the city partnered with Western Systems, Currux Vision, and B Wiring Solutions to install advanced AI-based detection and actuation technology alongside the Connected Traffic Cabinet. IoT.

    Installed at the cabinet level, the compact AI system processes video on site, delivering accurate, real-time detection of vehicles and vulnerable road users, supporting dynamic signal actuation, and generating detailed analytics. The Connected Traffic Cabinet. IoT enhances operations with robust connectivity – including five Ethernet ports, high-speed 4G LTE, GPS, VPN pass-through, and exclusive access to a secure cloud-based monitoring platform for remote control, real-time status checks, on-demand video streaming, and system health monitoring.

    “Our goal was to give our community a safer, more efficient traffic system without causing major disruptions,” said Kyle Christiansen, Public Works Director, City of Page. “This upgrade benefits both our residents and the diverse travelers who visit from around the globe.”

    “Currux Vision’s edge-based AI is built for complex, real-world environments,” said Alex Colosivschi, CEO of Currux Vision. “From extreme heat to low-visibility conditions, it ensures consistent detection and reliable performance year-round.”

    “Page is doing such a great job for their community by investing in solutions that improve safety, reduce congestion, and create a better experience for everyone on the road,” said. Joe Marioni, Territory Manager at Western Systems. “We’re proud to support their vision with technology that’s reliable, scalable, and built for Arizona’s unique conditions.”

    The City of Page’s proactive approach offers a model for other Arizona communities seeking to modernize their traffic operations with minimal disruption, maximum efficiency, and future-ready scalability.

    About the City of Page
    Nestled on the southern shores of Lake Powell in northern Arizona, the City of Page is home to approximately 7,500 residents but welcomes nearly 5 million visitors annually. Surrounded by iconic landscapes, Page is a hub for tourism, outdoor recreation, and cultural exchange, committed to enhancing infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.

    About Western Systems
    Western Systems has been providing innovative, dependable traffic management solutions to city, county, and state agencies across the western United States for over 20 years.

    About Currux Vision
    Currux Vision develops cutting-edge AI-based traffic detection, actuation, and analytics solutions designed to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in all roadway environments.

    Media Contacts
    Svitlana Lebedieva
    Marketing and Communications
    Western Systems
    Email: slebedieva@mcsmgmt.com
    Website: www.westernsystems-inc.com

    Source: Western Systems

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  • WSDOT Pilots New Wrong-Way Driving Alert System on SR-18

    Pilot Project Aims to Reduce Crashes and Improve Safety


    ISSAQUAH, Wash., September 18, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The Washington State Department of Transportation is exploring new technology designed to prevent wrong-way drivers. A pilot project on four State Route 18 off-ramps in King County now includes “wrong way” signs with flashing lights, radar detection and cameras that can detect drivers entering a ramp in the wrong direction. This system is part of a larger statewide pilot project using multiple methods to reduce wrong-way driving.

    The four SR 18 off-ramps now feature upgraded solar-powered LED signs and radar-activated detection systems. At select locations, video analytics and dual camera systems further support real-time validation and alerts to WSDOT’s Northwest Region Transportation Management Center. The aim is simple but vital: prompt self-correction by the driver and swift action by emergency services if needed.

    The initiative is aligned with national roadway safety priorities and complements WSDOT’s broader efforts to modernize infrastructure using smart technology and clean power. The pilot integrates radar, solar flashing signs, and camera-enabled detection through solutions developed by Carmanah Technologies and distributed regionally by Western Systems. Together, they enable multiple “layers of safety” that escalate alerts as a wrong-way driver progresses from the ramp entrance to the highway merge zone.

    “We’re excited to see this project move forward with WSDOT. It’s a great example of how thoughtful infrastructure planning and technology can work together to reduce risks before they become emergencies,” said Jeremy Hancyk, Regional Sales Manager at Synapse ITS, representing Carmanah Technologies. “When we design systems that prompt drivers to self-correct and give agencies real-time awareness, we help make these high-speed, high-use transportation corridors safer for everyone.”

    Installation was completed in summer 2025, and the project team is now reviewing field performance data. “Wrong-way crashes don’t happen often, but when they do, the stakes are incredibly high,” said Kai Antrim, Sales Manager at Western Systems. “It’s rewarding to support a program focused on prevention, not just reaction – and one that’s grounded in Washington’s real-world needs.”

    While the system is operational and currently warning drivers in real time to correct wrong-way driving behavior, it is not yet fully commissioned. Once fully commissioned, the system will be capable of sending notifications to the TMC, alerting operators of wrong-way drivers. This will provide operators with better situational awareness and enable them to send timely messages to relevant agencies, such as incident response teams and the Washington State Patrol.

    This pilot is part of WSDOT’s ongoing commitment to reducing serious injuries and fatalities across the state. Insights gained from the pilot will inform future deployments and contribute to smarter safety strategies throughout Washington’s highway network.

    Related Video

    https://vimeo.com/1119612761

    Source: Western Systems

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  • Caltrans Validates Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Extended Intersection Uptime During Emergencies

    EQASI-led testing confirms the system’s potential to maintain traffic signal operation in high-priority and outage-prone locations across California.


    SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 14, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is advancing its emergency preparedness efforts through the successful evaluation of a hydrogen fuel cell backup power system, tested for use at critical signalized intersections during extended power outages.

    As part of its commitment to improving emergency response and transportation system resilience, Caltrans conducted a formal lab evaluation of the system at its Translab facility in Sacramento. The test was led by the Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (EQASI) branch, which confirmed uninterrupted operation for 5 days and 18 hours under a consistent electrical load-a major increase from the 4-hour average provided by traditional battery backup systems.

    “Our role is to make sure devices function as expected under the conditions they’ll actually face – whether that’s extreme heat, power loss, or emergency response scenarios. The goal is reliability in all conditions across the State of California. When these systems go into the field, they impact the safety of everyone. That’s what drives the precision in our process,”said Justin Ellis, P.E., Branch Chief of Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection.

    The hydrogen fuel cell system evaluated in this study was supplied by Western Systems and is known as HyMax. Designed to support traffic cabinet operations using compressed hydrogen and a fuel cell engine, the system offers a site-specific solution for intersections where extended outages could compromise safety or mobility. It has already been deployed at more than 50 locations throughout California.

    “We’re proud to collaborate with Caltrans on solutions that improve system resilience across the state,”said Zach Hoiting, Senior Vice President at Western Systems. “The HyMax system was developed to serve real-world transportation needs-ensuring uninterrupted signal operations in the places and moments that matter most.”

    Caltrans identified the need for longer-duration backup systems as part of its broader effort to protect evacuation routes, maintain school zone safety, and ensure reliable access in rural corridors. Through its New Product Evaluation Program (NPEP), Caltrans vets new technologies for use on the state highway system with a focus on public safety and field performance.

    The successful validation of this hydrogen-based system reflects Caltrans’s leadership in integrating innovative technologies that strengthen infrastructure reliability, helping California communities stay safe, connected, and prepared during emergencies.

    Caltrans’s Commitment to Public Safety
    Caltrans continues to prioritize public safety through the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies that strengthen California’s transportation infrastructure. By identifying solutions that extend signal uptime during wildfires, storms, or other emergencies, the department supports statewide evacuation plans, school zone protection, and mobility in rural corridors. The use of clean energy systems such as hydrogen fuel cells aligns with broader state goals for sustainability and resilience.

    EQASI’s Role in Innovation and Assurance
    The Electrical Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (EQASI) branch of Caltrans’ Materials Engineering & Testing Services (METS) division led the evaluation of the HyMax system. EQASI plays a vital role in verifying that contractor-furnished materials meet project specifications and Caltrans standards. Through its work in the New Product Evaluation Program (NPEP), EQASI ensures that new technologies are carefully assessed for safety, reliability, and field readiness before being introduced into the transportation network.

    Western Systems and the HyMax System
    Western Systems supplied the hydrogen fuel cell system evaluated during this testing. Known as HyMax, the system is designed to provide extended-duration backup power to traffic signal cabinets using compressed hydrogen and a fuel cell engine. While not intended as a replacement for standard battery backup systems, HyMax may serve as an effective site-specific enhancement in areas where longer run times are critical to public safety. The system has already been deployed at more than 50 locations throughout California, supporting agency readiness and uninterrupted signal operation during prolonged power outages.

    Source: Western Systems

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  • Western Systems and Partners Elevate Mobility in Coachella Valley via CV SYNC

    Western Systems and Partners Elevate Mobility in Coachella Valley via CV SYNC

    A Visionary Project Led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), CV SYNC Represents a Paradigm Shift in Traffic Management


    COACHELLA, Calif., January 23, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Western Systems proudly announces its integral role in the successful installation of 140 Yunex Traffic RSU2X units during Phase I of the CV SYNC project, a transformative initiative led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG).

    This achievement underscores collaborative efforts with CVAG, Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc., Yunex Traffic, and Crosstown Electric & Data, Inc. As Phase I operations commence, Phase II targets the installation of 230 additional Yunex Traffic RSU2X units by 2024, further advancing Coachella Valley’s transportation landscape.

    CV SYNC: Enhancing Smart Traffic for Coachella Valley

    CV SYNC, a visionary project led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), represents a paradigm shift in traffic management. This innovative approach involves upgrading existing traffic signal controllers and deploying cutting-edge technologies to coordinate traffic on corridors throughout the Coachella Valley, including connected vehicle technology and RSUs installation.

    Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact

    The CV SYNC project brings far-reaching benefits to Coachella Valley, addressing economic, environmental, and social aspects. By closely monitoring innovative traffic management initiatives, the project positions the region for advanced connectivity, serving as a blueprint for future smart regions.

    The installation of Roadside Units (RSUs) provides a dynamic traffic management platform, addressing real-time challenges such as traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, road hazards, and accidents. The initiative aligns with the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability and meets the demands of a growing community.

    Quotes from Key Stakeholders

    Zach Hoiting, Senior Vice President at Western Systems, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Western Systems is honored to participate in CV SYNC, highlighting cutting-edge traffic management and connected vehicle technology. We are eager to contribute to the advancement of Coachella Valley’s Smart Traffic Region.”

    Carlos A. Ortiz, CEO of Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc., said, “Our mission is to innovate multimodal solutions for safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructures. Collaborating with customer-centric and innovative partners like Western Systems allows us to lay the foundation for a smarter and safer future for Coachella Valley cities and communities.”

    Eric Cowle, CVAG Transportation Engineer, emphasized the project’s mission, stating, “To meet the community’s growing need for safer and more efficient journeys and future sustainability goals, we have launched CV SYNC, a project that collaborates with industry leaders to create an advanced smart-traffic region where security meets reliability and high standards of modern traffic management systems.”

    About Western Systems

    Western Systems, a leader in traffic management since 2001, collaborates with city, state, and county agencies across the Western U.S.

    About CVAG

    CVAG, an organization fostering collaboration among its members, acts as the regional planning agency for the Coachella Valley. 

    More news: https://www.westernsystems-inc.com/news/

    Source: Western Systems Inc.

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