Timing is everything, especially on San Diego’s increasingly congested streets. And to prove it, city officials have proposed a $163 million master plan to upgrade its stoplight timing system and improve traffic flow.
Under the 10-year plan, the city’s 1,540 stoplights would sync up with a new timing and coordination network controlled by a central hub. The new technology would replace a 30-year old system that relies on old-fashioned monitors, according to city traffic engineer Duncan Hughes.
“You can think of the existing system as using dial-up Internet, rather than today’s digital cable modems, wireless routers and fibre-optic lines,” explained Hughes. “As well as being functionally obsolete, portions of the communications network have been damaged and there are many gaps in the system.”
The first phase, which would take about three years, entails repair of damaged stoplights and communication devices. It will also include installation of the advanced timing systems in parts of Pacific Beach, as well as Balboa and University avenues. Once installed, the timing of green and red lights can be adjusted rapidly for sudden events that alter the flow of traffic. This occurs through quick dissemination of information between the stoplights.
City officials said funding for the project will come from an array of sources, including the county’s half-cent sales tax surcharge for transportation projects.
Read more about the innovative system here.
Image Credit: Flickr User andrewbain, https://flic.kr/p/3n74uH via (CC BY 2.0)