New Traffic Control System Reduces Wait Time at Traffic Lights

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Construction begins Monday, August 19 on an adaptive traffic control system designed to make traffic flow more smoothly by decreasing the amount of time motorists spend at red lights. The new technology, called InSync, will be implemented at 24 signalized intersections along Chamberlayne Avenue, Brook Road, Hermitage Road and Laburnum Avenue.  
InSync will change the traffic signals based on real-time vehicle demand. The technology will count the number of vehicles on both the main streets and side streets at the intersections. Then, through the use of wireless broadband radio communications, the traffic signals will “talk” with each other and relay real-time information needed to control the movement of the vehicles along the signalized corridor.  A computer processor at each intersection uses the information to develop signal timings that allow main street traffic to catch multiple green signals without stopping along the corridor and, at the same time, limit and reduce the amount of time motorists spend waiting on the side street.
In addition to shortening time at red lights, the new technology will ease congestion and help drivers spend less time in traffic, which results in lower vehicle emissions and fuel consumption, which aligns with Mayor Dwight C. Jones initiatives to reduce the City’s carbon footprint. 
Once the system is operational, motorists can expect a smoother commute in both directions with fewer stops at traffic signals. Motorists turning onto main streets from side streets can expect shorter delays waiting for traffic signals to turn green. The change will be most noticeable on the main streets during peak travel times and the side streets during off-peak hours. 
This project was funded through a grant from the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) program. The estimated construction cost is approximately $1.4 million. The work is scheduled for completion in mid-February of 2014. 
For more information on City services and schedules log onto www.RichmondGov.com.