Wavetronix helps Utah DoT improve intersection safety

First published at ITS America - June 6, 2019

Dale Bartlett of Wavetronix

Wavetronix is using the Annual Meeting to demonstrate how its SmartSensor Advance and Matrix is being used by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDoT) in an innovative programme that publicises the performance of signalised intersections.

One of the most cost-effective ways to improve signalised intersections is to implement a signal performance measurement system (SPM). They use the data from traffic detectors to proactively monitor traffic signals, giving transportation agencies real-time insights into what’s happening at their intersections. UDoT has led the country in SPM implementation, and its success can help other agencies looking to achieve similar benefits in their traffic networks.

SPM effectiveness depends on the quality of the traffic data being collected by sensors at the intersection. UDoT’s system relies heavily on SmartSensor Advance and SmartSensor Matrix, non-intrusive radar devices created specifically for the intersection by Wavetronix.

Working with UDoT, Wavetronix optimised the Advance and Matrix sensors to allow the transfer of raw data from traffic controllers directly to a UDoT server. This real-time data populates a series of metrics that provide instant information about intersections to traffic engineers, allowing UDoT to proactively address problems.

In just the first year of use, the agency identified and fixed more than 100 detector problems, 35 time-of-day errors and 40 incorrect traffic offsets for better progression. Today, UDoT claims that only one in four vehicles encounters a red light on its roads.

The agency’s metrics are open to the public. Anyone wishing to see the data UDoT uses to improve its intersections can access it at udottraffic.utah.gov/signalperformancemetrics

Booth 437