Omnisight transforms traffic management at a challenging intersection in a bustling community. A complex intersection under pressure.
Summary
Reliable traffic data is essential for managing high-traffic areas like a 4-way intersection near a sports venue and local fire station. This intersection experiences unique challenges due to its proximity to high foot traffic areas, diverse modes of transportation (vehicles, bikes, golf carts, pedestrians), and emergency vehicle activity. Omnisight is launching its Digital Stopbar technology using a phased approach to enable adaptive control of traffic lights for smarter intersection management.
Case Study
Imagine a busy 4-way intersection at the heart of a thriving community. Every morning and afternoon, it transforms into a hive of activity as parents, school buses, and young students on bicycles converge. The route serves three schools—an elementary, middle, and high school—all within a short distance. The ebb and flow of traffic varies dramatically: slow-moving car lines, students navigating crosswalks, and kids pedaling toward a nearby retail area where they meet friends after school.
During the evenings and weekends, the intersection faces surges of traffic as the Credit One Stadium comes alive with concerts, sports events, and festivals. Attendees arrive in cars, golf carts, and on foot, adding layers of unpredictability to the traffic flow. Meanwhile, a fire station just steps away requires clear paths for emergency vehicles at a moment’s notice, even during peak congestion.
This intersection is not just a crossing point—it’s a dynamic ecosystem, managing diverse modes of transportation, constant foot traffic, and the demands of local events. The challenge is to ensure safety and efficiency for everyone, from young cyclists to concert-goers to emergency responders.
The Need for Improvements
- Accurate count and classification of vehicles and pedestrians
- Real-time reporting to manage dynamic and high-traffic periods
- Adaptive traffic light control to improve flow and safety
- Enhanced safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians
- Integration with city and stadium event traffic plans
Previous Situation
- Limited traffic data availability
- Manual counting and classification were time-consuming and inaccurate
- Static traffic light timing led to inefficiencies during high-demand periods
- Inadequate systems to track and classify unique traffic types like golf carts and bicycles
- Insufficient tools to manage emergency vehicle priority
Project at a Glance
Complex Intersection: Counting and classifying a multi-lane, 4-approach intersection with adaptive traffic light control.
- Multi-School Traffic Surge
- Event-Driven Congestion
- Emergency Vehicle Priority
- Diverse Transportation Modes
Solution
The Fusion Sensor was selected to conduct a real-time traffic study and phased in to control the intersection lights for adaptive signal timing control.
Top Benefits / Results
- Accuracy Across Diverse Traffic Modes: Precise data count and classification of vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts
- Real-Time Adaptive Control: Real-time data collection and adaptive traffic light timing, improving traffic flow efficiency and reducing congestion during peak times, events, or emergencies
- Enhanced Safety: Monitoring and analyzing traffic patterns in real time to identify safety risks and support vehicle prioritization
- Cost-Effective: Retrofitted onto existing infrastructure, minimizing the need for new hardware or extensive construction
The Solution: Effortless Deployment with Exceptional Accuracy
The Omnisight Fusion Sensor proved ideal for deployment due to its compact design, rapid installation, and compatibility with existing traffic pole locations and controllers. Using a phased project approach, the Fusion Sensor was deployed as follows:
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Phase 1: Observation and Data Gathering
- Deployment of Fusion Sensors to collect detailed traffic data and understand current traffic patterns
- Conduct a traffic study to evaluate light timing efficiency during different periods, including event and emergency scenarios
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Phase 2: Adaptive Control Demonstration
- Simulate real-time adaptive light control based on data gathered in Phase 1
- Provide insights on how light timing adjustments could improve flow, reduce delays, and prioritize emergency vehicles
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Phase 3: Full Intersection Control
- Implement adaptive control in real time using Fusion Sensor insights
- Enable real-time adjustments to traffic lights for optimal flow and safety
Results
The Fusion Sensor was installed at a 4-way intersection, retrofitting existing poles and infrastructure. Alongside accurate traffic data collection, the Digital Stopbar initiative showcases the future-ready power of adaptive control, ensuring seamless integration with existing traffic light systems. This solution leverages sensor fusion to deliver precise data in all weather conditions and during heavy congestion. The Fusion Sensor provides the city with reliable, actionable data for managing traffic at a unique, high-demand intersection. The system’s real-time capabilities enhance traffic planning, safety measures, and emergency vehicle response times.