Texas A&M Transportation Institute and the Texas Department of Transportation have partnered to launch a new initiative called Smarter Intersections. The project aims to improve road safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by using advanced technology. The agencies received a $1.9 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund this effort.
The Smarter Intersections project involves installing roadside unit traffic control signal system boxes at five intersections on the campus of Texas A&M College State. These systems will use real-time data to communicate with buses approaching the intersection, triggering signals and alerts to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, a collision warning system will be put in place to alert bus drivers of potential hazards.
The testing phase for this project is set to take place between August 2021 and July 2022, coinciding with the return of students to campus. Over a six-month period, data will be collected and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the technology in improving road safety.
Aside from collecting data, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute plans to conduct interviews with students and staff on campus to gather feedback on the initiative. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into how effective the Smarter Intersections project has been in improving road safety on campus.
Overall, the Smarter Intersections project represents an exciting development in transportation technology that has the potential to improve road safety for everyone who uses our roads.
