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What is Adaptive Traffic Signal Control?
Adaptive traffic signals detect and respond to real-time travel conditions. Cameras are used to detect the size of queues waiting for a signal, and a central "brain" uses this information to decrease your wait and ensure efficient timing for vehicles all the way down the corridor. Alexandria's current traffic signal system works like a programmable thermostat, changing the traffic signals according to the time of day. This project will help the city better respond to unexpected disruptions, and empower a smoother travel experience for drivers, buses, and emergency vehicles.
The Adaptive Traffic Signal Control (Adaptive) project will:
- Upgrade traffic signal software
- Implement new traffic signal controllers for consistent infrastructure Citywide and to integrate with future autonomous vehicles
- Deploy vehicle sensors to allow traffic signals to adapt to changing traffic conditions.
Guiding Principles Driving This Project
- Mobility - Improve accessibility and transportation options for residents and visitors of all abilities
- Safety - Eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all
- Traffic Management - Optimize traffic flow on City streets, improving travel times and reducing congestion.
- Forward Looking - Proactively plan for emerging and future transportation technologies
Project Background
The Adaptive Project was initiated several years ago when navigation apps started dynamically changing traffic patterns, reducing predictability. The City applied for and was awarded more than $14.5 million funding to implement this project in two phases. In Phase 1, the traffic signals along Van Dorn Street and Duke Street will be placed under adaptive control. Phase II of the project will expand the number of adaptive traffic signals and harmonize signal control with navigation apps and autonomous vehicles, possibly deploying artificial intelligence, and predicting short-term traffic.
