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GARY, IND. – The City of Gary is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Traffic Signal Initiative, a strategic expansion of the “Relight the City” program. This effort is supported by more than $2 million in funding and cost savings generated through the City’s successful transition to LED streetlighting. The city extends its appreciation to the Common Council for approving $3.4 million in ARPA funding that launched the Relight the City Initiative. By leveraging reduced energy consumption, the city is now able to address long-standing traffic signal outages and improve roadway safety citywide.
“Last year, our main focus was ensuring we illuminated the city that had been dark for more than two decades through this initiative,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “This year, we’re focusing on upgrading many of our traffic signals throughout our city. Through the investment of the streetlights, that cost savings has allowed us to address another longstanding issue that has plagued our city.”
To date, the Relight the City initiative has converted 1,054 fixtures to LED. In addition, 194 existing LED fixtures and 154 poles have been repaired. With 42 poles remaining to be replaced, the project is expected to be completed before spring, weather permitting. Although the original plan focused solely on replacing missing poles, the project scope has been expanded to include the replacement of aging infrastructure, allowing for a more proactive approach by upgrading assets nearing the end of their useful life.
“Our focus remains on modernizing Gary’s infrastructure and keeping our residents and visitors safe,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “By restoring traffic signals and completing streetlight upgrades by the end of 2026, we are delivering tangible improvements that the community can see and rely on.”
Work on traffic signals will begin in the first quarter of 2026 and continue throughout the spring, focusing on high traffic area intersections along key corridors then moving throughout the entire city.
This project does not include traffic signals on state roads as they are owned and maintained by INDOT, for example, Broadway, 4th and 5th Ave.
The project will utilize existing poles where possible, replacing any missing poles where needed. Selected intersections will receive new traffic signal heads (red, yellow, green heads), along with pedestrian “Walk/Don’t Walk” indicators to enhance safety and walkability.
By performing traffic counts to determine overall usage, many intersections were found to be underutilized. These intersections will be replaced with stop signs and appropriate signage. Please be mindful of temporary stop signs and other signage prior to the permanent fixes where existing old poles have been removed. These upgrades reflect our unwavering commitment to making public safety the top priority for every driver, pedestrian, and residents in our city.
Contact:
Steve Segura,
Chief Communications Officer
City of Gary
stsegura@gary.gov
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