The Wisconsin Department
of Transportation (WisDOT) is deploying new technology
to control six traffic signals along 1.5 miles of WIS
100 between Burleigh Street and Walnut Road in
Wauwatosa.
Beginning February 19,
the new signal system will adapt in real-time to
changing traffic demands. The goal is to optimize
traffic flow on WIS 100, especially during peak periods,
incidents and construction.
Video and loop detection
at each signalized intersection will identify the number
of vehicles on WIS 100 and side streets and determine
how long a vehicle has been waiting. Signals are linked
together with fiber optic communications allowing them
to “talk” and relay real-time information. Computers at
each intersection use the data to modify signal timings
to maximize green times for the 31,000 daily vehicles
traveling the corridor as well as side street and left
turn movements.
“Motorists should pay
close attention to changing traffic signal indications
in this area”, said Elizabeth Schneider, WisDOT signal
engineer.
Fine tuning of the
adaptive signal system will take place over the next
several months. WisDOT is conducting “before-and-after”
studies to evaluate the adaptive traffic control
system. The signals will be coordinated along the WIS
100 corridor as construction continues on the Zoo
Interchange reconstruction project.
