Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A new technology developed by University of Michigan engineers is transforming how traffic signals are optimized, replacing traditional manual traffic counting methods with a system that utilizes GPS data from vehicles. The new system, being implemented across Oakland County, requires data from only 5% of vehicles on the road to adjust traffic signals in real time. “The new approach we are developing is only reliant upon 5% of vehicle data, meaning almost all of the vehicles in the U.S are connected through a certain extent,” said Henry Liu, director of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. In partnership with the Road Commission for Oakland County, 13 intersections in Oakland County have been updated with the new system so far. That includes four traffic signals along 8 Mile Road from Orchard Lake to Brentwood Street in Farmington Hills, resulting in a 30% reduction in delays and a 40% reduction in stops. It also includes nine traffic signals along 12 Mile Road from Vinsetta Boulevard to North Connecticut Avenue in Royal Oak, resulting in a 20% reduction in delays and stops. The technology was first rolled out over an 18-month period starting in 2023, during which 34 intersections in Birmingham saw a 20% to 30% decrease in stops. The system uses connected vehicle data as mobile sensors to identify intersections experiencing heavy congestion. This eliminates the need for counties to conduct manual traffic counts or install adaptive signals, which can cost thousands. “All of this data can be utilized to help us to monitor the performance at a traffic light at all different approaches,” Liu said. ”This information will help us to identify performance issues. For example, one direction may need a longer green time.” Thanks to a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), in the next six months, as many as 40 intersections will be equipped with the new technology, which is being prepared for commercialization by the new startup Connected Traffic Intelligence. The funding comes through the USDOT Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program. Craig Bryson, the senior communications manager for the Road Commission for Oakland County, provided the following statement regarding the system’s progress: “The GPS-data-based traffic-signal retiming system that the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has partnered with U of M on is showing great promise. Not only does it allow us to dramatically reduce the time required to retime traffic signals, as well as the cost of doing so, but it is showing significant improvements in traffic flow. This system holds the promise of helping us to reduce traffic congestion while also improving motorist safety and cutting our costs. While the results have been impressive so far, as we roll this out to more of the county, the results will be even greater. This represents a great step forward in efficiency thanks to amazing new technology. It also has the potential to provide the same benefits at traffic signals across the country and around the world.” Craig Bryson, Senior Communications Manager for the Road Commission for Oakland County
