Archives

  • www.xinsurance.com
Advertisement
The Newspaper for the Future of Miami
Connect with us:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
Front Page » Transportation » County tests new technology for traffic signals synchronization

County tests new technology for traffic signals synchronization

Written by on June 21, 2016
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement
County tests new technology for traffic signals synchronization

Drivers frustrated by growing congestion and at least one Miami-Dade commissioner question whether traffic signals are synchronized properly – or at all – but officials say they’re testing new technologies to modernize the system for well into the future.

Commissioner Xavier Suarez said he’s been told since the late 1970s that the county will synchronize signals, but gridlock grows. He cited trouble spots, particularly US 1 at 17th Avenue, during the county’s Transit and Mobility Services Committee meeting last week. “At 11 a.m., it’s already in condition ‘F,’” he said, adding that he sent the administration possible solutions in 2010 but “nothing has been done.”

Afterward, the committee unanimously approved increasing a coordinating traffic signals contract that would give Kimley-Horn & Associates an added $3.85 million and five more years if the full commission approves.

Before the vote, Mr. Suarez asked if this would assure synchronized signals.

The county has been synchronizing street lights since 1976, said Frank Aira, Traffic Signals and Signs Division chief. The Transportation and Public Works Department is currently adding technology whereby high-speed communication will pinpoint problems and relay the data in real time to synchronize signals, he said. Mr. Aira said after tests the department will use the technology around the county.

About 70 electrical technicians, system operators, traffic operation engineers and managers work full-time “to ensure the signals are timed and operating optimally to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently on the arterials,” the Transportation and Public Works Department’s website says. “The new Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), a state-of-the-art, distributed traffic signal monitor and control system, helps to assure that optimum traffic signal operations” run countywide at all times.

Once completed, officials say, the ATMS will synchronize every traffic signal in the county, provide real time video monitoring and allow the traffic control center to adjust signal timing to let more cars flow on major roads and reduce side-street delays.

The department, said director Alice Bravo, has been working toward the system since 2006. In the 1970s, signals were connected by a computer. “When something went wrong, we had to drive out and manually repair, re-sync the lights and were limited to 2,000 signals,” she told Miami Today this week. “Now, over 2,900 signals are connected and we’re able to log into them remotely.”

The ATMS replaced the old urban traffic control system in 2012, Ms. Bravo said. “We’re still on a timetable regarding synchronization that makes it all work together. Based on the time of day, we have limited time to react.”

Ms. Bravo said the next step is to replace computers at every intersection with adaptive equipment. “The computers at the signals can make real-time adjustments,” she said. “We’re also adding cameras and speed detectors in the field so traffic engineers in our traffic control center have information and make can adjustments based on what’s happening at that moment.”

One Response to County tests new technology for traffic signals synchronization

  1. B

    June 23, 2016 at 11:41 am

    Please don’t forget pedestrian TRAFFIC in all this. Too often a large group of people waits over a minute for a walk signal meanwhile cross traffic is light. Having the walk signal change quicker wouldn’t disrupt traffic flow during periods of light automobile cross traffic. Conversely, when traffic is really backed up or completely stopped, and cars aren’t getting anywhere fast, you can at least give pedestrians a chance to get where they’re going. Let us get across!!!

  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
Advertisement