Detection perfection – Four ways to ensure your detection system creates smarter, greener, less congested cities – Traffic Technology International

March 9, 2021

Detection perfection

Four ways to ensure your detection system creates smarter, greener, less congested cities

Traffic detection is a critical piece of the traffic management puzzle. Detection provides data for traffic management decisions and keeps our traffic signals working efficiently and intelligently, lowering emissions and congestion. Unfortunately, 25% of traffic detection systems are not functioning at any given time, interfering with the goal of smarter, greener, less congested intersections.
Here are four ways to make sure your detection system is up to the job…

1) Ensure your system is robust Inductive loops account for 75% of global detection sensor shipments, and their hard- wired design leads to detection failures and maintenance issues. The copper wires break in shifting pavement conditions due to vehicle wear or freezing weather cycles. Or, frustratingly, utility work or road maintenance cuts or grinds up detection investments.

FlexMag magnetometers by Sensys Networks are far more robust due to their wireless design and small 4in (10cm) footprint. There are no wires to cut or power leads to trench, making them immune to damage in deteriorating pavement and in all weather conditions. FlexMag can even be installed below grade to withstand milling during repaving efforts, extending your detection investment to resurfaced roads without additional cost.

2) Make it easy to install and maintain Installing loops is a chore, requiring extensive lane closures and hours spent saw-cutting and trenching in the street, causing the very traffic they’re intended to solve.
In contrast, FlexMag sensors take a fraction of the time to install – about 15 minutes each on average and can be deployed with rolling closures for greater efficiency. Plus, they’re self-tuning and self-calibrating so once they’re in, no periodic maintenance is needed. Fewer closures, less congestion.

531,929 Number of tons by which similar adaptive controls could reduce emissions annually
(source: New York Times)

3) Guarantee adaptability
We already know that healthy traffic detection systems reduce congestion by triggering preset signal timing plans. Unfortunately, for heavier traveled intersections and corridors, infrequent traffic studies and out-of-date signal timings can’t cope with shifting traffic patterns. On-demand re-timing efforts or adaptive control systems are needed to optimize signals and keep traffic flowing, reduce stops, and lower emissions.
Again, FlexMag sensors play a critical part by relaying lane-specific detection accuracy that these applications require. The advantage over loops is that advanced detection and even mid-block sensors are not constrained by trenching or power access needs. And a recent study by Siemens in Seattle, Washington, calculated that an adaptive control system using FlexMag on a single corridor reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 621lb (282kg) per vehicle per year. If deployed nationwide in the US
alone, similar adaptive control systems could cumulatively reduce emissions by 531,929 tons (482,558 metric tons) in a year.

2. FlexMag magnetometers by Sensys Networks are wireless and require no comms wires or power leads

4) Make detection future proof
In the future, signal timing and other intersection data will be relayed to connected vehicles enabling smoother braking and acceleration timed with the traffic signals, improving safety and lowering emissions.

The technology for this already exists, with the FlexMag system providing real-time signal data to UC Berkeley and Hyundai’s NextCar pilot, which has shown a 30% energy savings at signalized intersections. With the right technology in your controller cabinets today your intersections will be well-positioned for the smarter, greener, less congested future.