A new program made possible by Act 89, Pennsylvania's far-reaching transportation plan, will clear the way for traffic signal improvements that could dramatically ease congestion, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch announced.

PennDOT's "Green Light-Go" program will assist municipalities with traffic signal operations, allowing them to make needed improvements.

"Our 'Green Light-Go' program, which is only possible because of Act 89, is aimed at helping financially-strapped municipalities get a jump on upgrading their traffic signals," Schoch said. "By using state-of-the-art signal systems that can be timed to maximize traffic flow, motorists will notice quicker commute times and less time sitting in traffic."

Municipalities can now apply to PennDOT for funding to make signal improvements on state-owned highways. Projects on corridors with fewer than 10,000 vehicles per day will be managed by the municipality, and PennDOT will manage projects with signals on corridors that have greater than 10,000 vehicles per day. Both types of projects will require a 50 percent match from the municipality.

Act 89, which Gov. Tom Corbett signed in November 2013, makes up to $10 million available for traffic signal improvements in the current fiscal year. The Act 89 allocation rises to up to $25 million in 2015-16 and up to $40 million in 2016-17 and thereafter.

The deadline for municipal applications is Nov. 14. Materials about applying for the program can be found at

www.dot.state.pa.us/signals