• April 18th, 2025
• 0 Comments

Published by Popular Science in April 2022.

Pittsburgh is at the forefront of smart city technology with its implementation of adaptive traffic signals dating back to 2012 when, as part of the city's efforts to upgrade its 130-year-old grid to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, the installation of artificially-intelligent Surtrac system at nine intersections along Baum Boulevard led to a 40 percent decrease in vehicle wait time at intersections and a 21 percent drop in emissions. The adaptive signals were developed by a Carnegie Mellon University spin-off called Surtrac, short for Scalable Urban Traffic Control, which uses artificial intelligence to adjust traffic lights in real-time, responding to the ebb and flow of traffic throughout the day.

The technology behind adaptive traffic signals involves a combination of radar and cameras that feed data into AI algorithms. These algorithms predict traffic patterns and adjust the timing of lights to optimize flow. Unlike traditional traffic signals that operate on preset cycles, adaptive signals can respond to various factors such as accidents, construction, or heavy pedestrian traffic.

Adaptive traffic systems are not without challenges. The cost of implementation can be high, and there is a risk of prioritizing vehicle traffic over pedestrians and cyclists. However, the benefits, such as reduced congestion, lower emissions, improved emergency response times, and the potential for integration with connected and autonomous vehicles, offer a compelling case for their adoption.

Bellevue, Washington, is another city that has seen success with adaptive signals, reporting a 36 percent reduction in travel time on some routes. These systems work best in areas with variable traffic patterns, as they can struggle in consistently high-volume conditions.

Despite the potential for improved traffic management, adaptive signals are not a complete solution for urban congestion. They must be part of a broader strategy that includes public transportation and non-vehicular traffic considerations. As cities grow, adaptive traffic technology presents an opportunity to create more efficient and sustainable transportation networks.

The future of adaptive traffic signals is intertwined with the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. These systems could further enhance traffic flow by communicating directly with vehicles, leading to a more integrated and intelligent transportation infrastructure.In conclusion, Pittsburgh's success with adaptive traffic signals showcases the potential of smart city technology to transform urban mobility. By investing in such innovations, cities can tackle the challenges of congestion and emissions, paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.

Source: Popular Science