New Adaptive Traffic Signal System - Topeka, KS

Real-Time Adaptive Traffic Signal System -- "Green Light Tunnel"

Motorists along 21st Street between Fairlawn & Wanamaker roads might have noticed more green traffic lights while traveling that stretch of roadway.

That is because it is the first of three corridors to receive a "green light tunnel."
A green light tunnel is a term that describes a series of traffic signals which talk to each other, creating a series of green lights for motorists. The end result is fewer stops, less travel time and more efficient energy use for traveling in the tunnel.

In 2009, the city of Topeka received an allocation of $1,240,000 through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program of the Department of Energy. One of the proposals submitted by the City and ultimately approved by the Department of Energy was to allocate $678,000 of the total to install three adaptive traffic signal systems at 22 intersections. Three areas were selected: 21st Street from Fairlawn to Wanamaker (6 intersections); Wanamaker Road from 21st to 10th (8 intersections); and Topeka Boulevard from 29th to 45th (7 intersections)

The system the city chose is called "InSync". InSync was invented by a Kansas company, Rhythm Engineering, headquartered in Lenexa.

InSync is a real-time system. By using cameras and processors, and connecting the intersections with fiber, the intersections are able to "talk" to each other to coordinate traffic and reduce delays.

While the investment is significant so are the benefits. It is estimated that drivers will save 5,000 gallons of gasoline per intersection per year due to a decrease in the number of stops. When gasoline burns it emits carbon dioxide. The reduction in gasoline burned will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 97,000 pounds.

"Twenty First Street is activated and working well for westbound traffic," said City of Topeka Traffic Engineer Linda Voss. "If you are stopped westbound at 21st and Fairlawn at a red light, when it turns green and you will be in a 'tunnel', usually able to travel from Fairlawn to Wanamaker with all green lights. Eastbound will work similarly after the 21st and Wanamaker intersection is activated. The traffic system works to obtain the best coordination for traffic on 21st Street; however, it also strives to keep the delay minimal for side street traffic and pedestrians."

The change is expected to do more than save energy.

"While this system was added to 21st Street to help with energy issues, we are also hopeful that the decrease in stops and the length of delay per intersection will decrease crashes," Voss said. Last year there were 143 crashes in this section, with 91 being rear-end crashes, prevalent at intersections showing a red light.

The city plans to turn on the system on the corridor on Wanamaker from 21st to Winding Road this month and on Wanamaker from Winding Road to 10th Street after the traffic signal at Huntoon and Wanamaker is replaced later this year. The schedule for Topeka Boulevard will be determined when fiber cable is extended to 45th Street.

An InSync System has also been added to the 29th and Fairlawn triangle. The processors have been installed at 29th and Fairlawn, 29th and the Connector Road, Fairlawn and the Connector Road, and 29th and McClure. The software watches monitors all movements and adjusts signals to minimize delays.

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[mrgurth1]

good to see that our tax dollars are being used and not going towards stupid stuff. plus what ever happed to the tax to fix all the dam pot holes >:C