Detroit’s new traffic management system up and running

Detroit’s new US$3.6 million Traffic Management Center has been opened by Mayor Ken Cockrel.

The center will be part of the city's ITS system and will be operated under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division. Information from traffic signal-mounted cameras is transported via a wireless communications network to the center, where street conditions are monitored on six separate large screen monitors to provide a 3x1.5m videowall. The wall can also be configured to display up to 12 separate camera feeds from the city.

Phase I of the new traffic management system is now complete and includes the conversion of 30 selected traffic signals in the downtown area. Phase II is currently under way and involves the installation of ITS hardware at 29 traffic signals along East Jefferson from Rivard to Alter. Phase II should be completed in May. Phase III will see the installation of ITS hardware at 65 traffic signals in the Wayne State University, Cultural Center and Detroit Medial Center areas. Phase III is expected to be completed during 2010. Future expansion of the system will include installing additional units on other major streets throughout the city.

The ITS system is also interfaced with the Detroit Fire Department, and has the capability of allowing fire trucks traffic signal priority, to ensure that they reach their destinations quickly and safely. “I welcome this innovative new system that will improve safety and traffic flow on Detroit’s streets,” Mayor Cockrel says. “I’m sure the value of this high-tech system will be demonstrated this weekend, as we host the NCAA Final Four (basketball tournament) to thousands of guests from around the nation.”

Right: Detroit's Mayor Ken Cockrel
 

2 April 2009