Traffic Technology International
How to enhance highway safety and efficiency with the power of comprehensive traffic detection solutions
Ten years after the imagined future that Marty McFly visited in his famous DeLorean in Back to the Future Part II, it turns out we still need roads. Lots of them. Highways, the critical arteries between our cities, are as congested as ever and transport officials can only add so many lanes. Flying cars cannot come fast enough. In the meantime, several other technologies are stepping up to keep traffic flowing and fusing them together can create some exciting possibilities.
First measure, then improve
Wireless in-ground sensors, like the FlexMag from Sensys Networks, offer a versatile solution for highway monitoring. Deployed on highways in places like Illinois in the US and Perth, Australia, these sensors provide critical volume, occupancy, speed, and length (VOSL) data. Their wireless design eliminates the need for trenching, simplifying installation and making them ideal for locations where power is not readily available. On the Illinois Tollway and the M1 in Melbourne, Australia, these sensors are also used for ramp metering, contributing to improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.
The RTMS Echo side-fire radar provides another accurate detection option for count and speed measurements with only one device needed to monitor up to 12 lanes. Its zero- setback mounting option allows for deployment in challenging locations such as medians and bridges without shoulders. This capability has proven particularly valuable in Wisconsin in the US and other dynamic lane-use applications, where shoulders or reversible lanes are monitored and activated during peak hours.
The integration of detection technologies like FlexMag3 wireless sensors, RTMS Echo radar, and Citilog’s AID system illustrates a broader trend towards smarter, more adaptive traffic management systems.
25% The percentage increase in traffic flow in Melbourne, Australia, after the deployment of a multi-technology solution from Sensys Networks
1. Sensys Networks offers detection solutions for any application
Coordinate ramps and speeds
Traffic operators in Melbourne and Perth, meanwhile, are embracing a more comprehensive multi-technology approach to traffic management by coordinating ramp metering and using variable speed limits across entire corridors. By dynamically adjusting entry rates and highway speeds in real time, they have effectively minimized congestion and maximized throughput and safety.
In Melbourne, transportation officials documented a 25% increase in traffic flow and 35% to 60% increase in vehicle speeds during peak travel times after deploying the system. These impressive results stem from the system’ ability to precisely monitor both mainline highway traffic and ramp conditions.
Coordinated ramp metering has also demonstrated significant safety benefits. The switch to coordinated ramp metering with FlexMag detection sensors in Melbourne resulted in a 20% to 50% decrease in crashes during peak travel times.
2. Perth, Australia is coordinating ramps and variable speed limits to improve traffic flow
Use Al to see danger faster
The integration of Al-powered video detection for incident detection represents another significant advancement. The Port of Miami Tunnel is using Citilog’s Automatic Incident Detection (AID) to automatically identify wrong-way drivers, stopped vehicles, and other hazardous situations, enabling rapid response to potential dangers. The system is pretrained with deep learning on thousands of incidents to minimize false positives and ensure that traffic operators can focus on genuine emergencies and implement immediate corrective measures.
The integration of Al-powered video detection for incident detection represents another significant advancement. The Port of Miami Tunnel is using Citilog’s Automatic Incident Detection (AID) to automatically identify wrong-way drivers, stopped vehicles, and other hazardous situations, enabling rapid response to potential dangers. The system is pretrained with deep learning on thousands of incidents to minimize false positives and ensure that traffic operators can focus on genuine emergencies and implement immediate corrective measures.
