Traffic Signal Modernization Program
About the TSMP Grant Application
The Traffic SignalModernization Program (TSMP) grant is a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) program designed to help communities and their local traffic signal maintaining agencies modernize existing traffic signal equipment and operations.
TSMP Grant Application Funds Eligibility Requirement
The TSMP project must be located on a State Route. Communities and unincorporated areas within counties
are eligible for TSMP funds if any of the following are met:
• Any community in a non-CMAQ county; or
• Any community with a population below 5,000 (based on the 2020 federal census)
Any grant application submitted on behalf of a community and/or unincorporated area that is determined not eligible for TSMP funds will be eliminated from consideration. The TSMP grant funds are intended to address specific needs contained in the grant application and not intended as equipment only procurement funds or provide local project fund assistance for communities. It is intended that every project will have a different associated project cap up to $125,000 per project. TSMP grant funds are intended to address specific needs contained in the grant application and not intended as equipment only procurement funds or provide local project fund assistance for communities.
TSMP Grant Application Matching and Funding Cap Requirements
The TSMP project is a 100% state funded program (i.e. no local match required). Every project will have a different associated project cap up to $125,000 per project.
TSMP Grant Application Eligible Items includes, but not limited to, Signalization Upgrade Items such as:
- Controllers & Conflict Monitors
- Controller Cabinet & Equipment
- Signal Heads & Flashing Beacons
- Supplemental Signal Heads
- Pedestrian Signal Heads & Push Buttons
- Advance & Stop Line Detection
- Signal Timing Optimization
- School Zone Flashing Beacons Plans
TSMP Grant Application Ranking Criteria
The TSMP grant application ranking criteria will include, but is not limited to, county economic status, approximate age of traffic signal equipment, crash history, AADT, work type being requested, other possible funding program involvement, and associated project impacts regarding right-of-way, environmental, railroads, and utilities. All projects awarded will be prepared in accordance with applicable State and Federal requirements. All design services will be the responsibility of and conducted by TDOT staff and/or their on-call consultants.
TSMP Grant Application Deadline
The deadline for the "2026 TSMP Grant Applications" has passed and are no longer being accepted. Applications for the program for the next year will start in January 2027. Please contact Steve Bryan via tdot.trafficdesign.tsmmprogram@tn.gov if you have any questions regarding this TSMP grant application process.