Project at a Glance

• Location: Huntsville, Alabama (I-565)
• Client: Alabama Department of Transportation
• Scope: Installation of Huntsville’s first Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), along with system upgrades including CCTV cameras, solar sites, and environmental sensors.

About the Project

This project represents a major ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) upgrade for the Huntsville area. Stansell Electric installed three new DMS signs, 10 CCTV cameras, and two RWIS
environmental sensors, supported by over 57,000 feet of 144ct fiber optic cable. These additions provide ALDOT and the public with better communication tools, more reliable traffic monitoring, and improved roadway safety.

Key Features:

• 57,000 ft of 144ct Fiber Optic Cable
• 3 DMS signs (first in Huntsville)
• 11 CCTV cameras (2 solar-powered sites)
• 2 RWIS Environmental Sensors

Challenges and Growth:

Working in a new market with ALDOT brought unique challenges in learning unfamiliar processes, adapting to new technologies, and coordinating across multiple partners while delivering Huntsville’s first ITS deployment of its kind.

Challenges Include:

• Navigating ALDOT procedures and expectations for the first time
• Integrating multiple manufacturer technologies not previously used by our team
• Coordinating with a new subcontractor and aligning their schedule with project goals
• Maintaining efficiency while managing scope across DMS, CCTV, solar, and RWIS systems
• Building relationships in a region where SEC had limited prior presence

Our Approach:

We mobilized our own crews to supplement subcontractor work, ensuring momentum and schedule integrity. The team invested time upfront to understand ALDOT’s processes, creating smoother
coordination and building trust throughout the project. We adapted quickly to new equipment by leveraging the experience of our ITS group, cross-training crews, and documenting best practices for future work. Continuous communication with partners and ALDOT fostered transparency, alignment, and long-term relationship growth. By combining flexibility in the field with technical expertise, Stansell established itself as a reliable ITS partner in Huntsville.

Community Impact:

The installation of Huntsville’s first Dynamic Message Signs now provides drivers with real-time roadway information, while the expansion of CCTV cameras strengthens traffic monitoring and
emergency response capabilities. The addition of environmental sensors further enhances roadway safety by improving preparedness in changing conditions. Together, these upgrades support Huntsville’s growth as a modern, connected city.

Outcome:

The project was completed successfully with strong client satisfaction. It delivered immediate improvements for Huntsville’s drivers while establishing Stansell Electric as a trusted partner for ALDOT. The successful integration of DMS, CCTV, and environmental technologies also positions Stansell to support future ITS initiatives across the region.