Traffic Management Solutions for Road Safety Systems
The Challenge
The bulk of today’s traffic signals worldwide operate using the interval system, which functions with fixed periods: predetermined cycle lengths, intervals, and phases determine urban traffic flow. While this system has been in use for several decades, an introspection reveals how obsolete it may be, especially in busier cities. Commuting in city road traffic involves infinite variables and requires intuitive and intelligent treatment. It is essential to recognize that traffic and communication patterns are ever-evolving. In such an environment, standardized cycle times lead to unnecessary idle times, which can reduce efficiency for all concerned. Such losses could hamper individual productivity and impact a nation’s GDP on a large scale.
Our Solution
Having terminated their deal with their technology partner, the client sought a robust IT partner who could seamlessly integrate its product algorithm with a quality user interface and intuitive front end. Experion fit the bill.
In collaboration with the client, our team determined that coordinating traffic signals in a centralized location would be pivotal in minimizing the impact of stop times on road users. The team ensured that the client’s existing data assets could be utilized to mitigate congestion and delays. Simultaneously, the data and analytics team reworked many of the algorithms to ensure that this system would provide smooth and adaptive performance as traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. The system was also designed to handle emergencies that regularly emerge on the roads and would be scalable to peak traffic levels alongside increasing pedestrian and cyclist numbers. Some key features of the traffic management solutions included:
- A GIS-based real-time application that allows traffic operators to view and manage junctions, Pelicans, OTUs, links, nodes, etc.
- Real-time status updates on traffic queues and various parameters using defined messaging structures.
- Configurable timetables for effective signal management.
- A data portal to share live and historical traffic information.
Business Impact
The implementation of our traffic management solutions resulted in:
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- A state-of-the-art real-time data collection and analysis system.
- Real-time decision-making with open data sharing.
- An adaptive signal control strategy that can be tailored to any network size.
- The open-access principle allows traffic engineers detailed insights into how people move around the network, enabling greater precision in controlling traffic flow.
The new traffic management solutions system also led to benefits such as increased safety by identifying congestion hotspots, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 8% due to diminished idle time, and creating collaborative opportunities with various commercial partners.