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A delicately interwoven system of processes, smart technology for traffic can help transport workers, drivers and commuters control traffic flow and efficiency. Making use of advanced IoT devices, sensors routers, cellular technology, and sensors intelligent traffic systems dynamically adjust control mechanisms like traffic lights and freeway on-ramp meters bus rapid transit lanes, highway message boards and even speed limits. They also can forecast changes in traffic demand and provide real-time data to road users.

Pittsburgh’s adaptive traffic signal system is a great example. Stephen Smith, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) was the one who installed his first experimental traffic signals in a congestion-ridden area of East Liberty in the city. The immediate results were evident. Drivers were able to travel 25 percent farther and were able to drive 40 percent more efficiently.

The system works by collecting information from sensors that are monitoring incoming traffic and adjusting their timings in real-time, as well as spotting pedestrians at intersections and allowing them time to safely walk across the street. The application of traffic engineering sensors transmit their raw data to a central hub where it is processed by artificial intelligence. It is then sent back to the intersections by 5G-enabled cell networks.

These systems are also able to allow for better, more precise simulation of risk-minimizing scenarios that a human traffic manager could not manage and all in real-time. This is a major step towards Vision Zero, the goal of a safe road that ensures humans and vehicles can share the road without colliding.