Smart Cities Connect Recognizes Arlington for Innovative Cooper Street Traffic Signal Technology
By Nina Sherer, Public Works and Transportation
Posted on January 29, 2020, January 29, 2020

he City aims to reduce both by installing automated traffic signal performance measure (ASTM) devices on 31 signals and two school zone flashers along Cooper Street between Lamar Boulevard and the frontage road on the south side of IH-20. These devices will collect and analyze signal and safety information in real-time. Drivers can receive the information directly in-vehicle if the vehicle is equipped with connected vehicle technology. Drivers without connected vehicle technology can use the “TravelSafely” cell phone application. This app, which does not collect personal information, run in the background and send voice activated alerts to provide alerts without distraction.

Arlington's Public Works and Transportation Department continues to pave the way in the use of smart city technology to improve traffic flow on Cooper Street. The Traffic Engineering Division’s work to address traffic concerns along the Cooper Street corridor has recently been recognized as one of the 2020 Smart 50 Awards winners. This award, which is given in partnership with Smart Cities Connect, Smart Cities Connect Foundation, and US Ignite, recognizes influential and innovative work in the areas of urban operations, urban infrastructure, smart mobility, digital transformation and community engagement.

Used by thousands of drivers each day, Cooper Street is an important part of the community’s daily routines, but the volume of vehicles using the road can lead to increased travel times and driver frustration. The City aims to reduce both by installing automated traffic signal performance measure (ASTM) devices on 31 signals and two school zone flashers along Cooper Street between Lamar Boulevard and the frontage road on the south side of IH-20. These devices will collect and analyze signal and safety information in real-time. Drivers can receive the information directly in-vehicle if the vehicle is equipped with connected vehicle technology. Drivers without connected vehicle technology can use the “TravelSafely” cell phone application. This app, which does not collect personal information, run in the background and send voice activated alerts to provide alerts without distraction.

Currently, the City relies on regularly scheduled maintenance or calls from the public to identify issues with equipment that causes increased travel times. Reducing the time between an incident and repairing or adjusting the signal timing will benefit both drivers and the environment.

Installation of the ASTMs is expected to be completed and begin transmitting information to the public by the beginning of April.

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