Case Study: City of San Marcos achieves up to 46% delay reduction with McCain Inc's QuicTrac adaptive control

Quictrac™ Adaptive Control Delivers Delay Reductions Up to 44% on San Marcos Boulevard

The City of San Marcos faced chronic congestion on San Marcos Boulevard — the second-busiest surface arterial in San Diego County with 22,000–46,000 average daily trips, four distinct peak periods, and numerous major and minor intersections near schools and businesses. To address rising delays and stops, the City selected McCain Inc’s QuicTrac adaptive control software to optimize real-time signal coordination.

McCain Inc deployed QuicTrac across the corridor (configured into three adaptive groups using existing loop/video detectors and targeted communications upgrades) to make real-time signal adjustments. The installation yielded measurable impacts: delay reductions up to 46% (average eastbound delay down 29.7%), as many as 39.1% fewer stops in peak periods, 7.8% lower fuel consumption, a first-year public benefit of $645,000 and an 8:1 lifetime benefit‑cost ratio, transforming the boulevard into a recognized “Smart Corridor.”

City of San Marcos