In Hillsborough County, innovative technology is now tracking vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at intersections in real-time. This system delivers crucial data to traffic engineers within minutes, enhancing traffic management.

If you’ve experienced a traffic light that always seems to catch you at red or stays red too long, relief might soon be on the way. The county has introduced new technology in some traffic lights to better manage traffic flow.

“It’s changed the game,” said Rafael De Dios, an engineer associate at Hillsborough’s Traffic Management Center. “It gives us data we never had before, making our traffic management more effective.”

Although the initial cost for this technology is higher, De Dios believes it will lead to significant savings and efficiency in the long run. “It’s basically the future,” he added, pointing out that previously, they relied on consultants for traffic analysis.

William Johnson, another engineer at the center, noted that this technology allows for minute-by-minute monitoring, unlike the static data from human observations which didn’t account for seasonal changes or special events. “With real-time data, we can optimize traffic light cycles much more frequently,” Johnson explained.

The county currently has this detection system installed in about 20% of its traffic lights, with plans to expand to 80% within five years. This data isn’t just for the traffic department; it’s shared with various county entities like schools and public transport systems.

An example of its use was during the major overhaul of interstate ramps in the south part of the county. “We placed this technology before construction to analyze traffic before, during, and after the project,” De Dios explained, highlighting how this approach offers a more dynamic understanding of traffic flow compared to the old pre- and post-construction adjustments.

Funding for this technology includes federal grants and local county funds. Beyond traffic monitoring, the county is exploring further tech integrations into intersection cabinets, which could allow communication between vehicles and transportation infrastructure. This could be vital for emergency vehicle passage or managing sudden traffic build-ups by altering light timings on-the-fly.

Johnson concluded that these technological advancements are essential for managing Hillsborough County’s growing population and traffic needs. “We can only widen roads so much,” he said. “This technology lets us work smarter, leading to cost savings.”

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Sky Lebron/WUSF)