About the TSMP Grant Application

The Traffic Signal Modernization Program (TSMP) is a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) grant program. It helps communities and their local traffic‑signal agencies modernize existing traffic signal equipment and operations.

Eligibility for TSMP Grant Funds

Location requirement:

• The project must be on a State Route.

Who can apply:

• Communities in a non‑CMAQ county (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, CMAQ).
• Any community with a population below 5,000, based on the 2020 federal census.
• Unincorporated areas within counties may also apply if they meet the conditions above.

Not eligible:

• Any application submitted for a community or unincorporated area that is not eligible for TSMP funds will be removed from consideration.

What TSMP Funds Can and Cannot Cover

Intended use:

• TSMP grant funds are intended to address the specific needs described in your grant application.

Not intended for:

• Equipment‑only purchases (procurement of equipment without related project work).
• Local project funding assistance for communities outside the scope of the specific needs in the application.

Matching Requirement and Funding Cap

• The TSMP is a 100% state‑funded program. No local match is required.
• Each project will have its own funding cap, up to $125,000 per project.

Examples of Eligible Signal Upgrade Items

• Controllers and conflict monitors
• Controller cabinet and equipment
• Signal heads and flashing beacons
• Supplemental signal heads
• Pedestrian signal heads and push buttons
• Advance and stop‑line detection
• Signal timing optimization
• School zone flashing beacon plans

Note: Eligible items include, but are not limited to, the list above.

How Applications Are Ranked

TSMP grant application ranking will consider (not limited to):

• County economic status
• Approximate age of traffic signal equipment
• Crash history
• Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT)
• Type of work requested
• Involvement of other funding programs
• Project impacts related to right‑of‑way, environmental, railroads, and utilities

All awarded projects will be prepared in accordance with applicable State and Federal requirements.
All design services will be the responsibility of TDOT staff and/or TDOT on‑call consultants.

Application Timeline and Contact

• “2027 TSMP Grant Applications” will open in January 2027.
• Questions? Contact Steve Bryan at tdot.trafficdesign.tsmmprogram@tn.gov.

TSMP Flyer

TSMP Grant Application

TSMP Cover Letter