AI-Driven Adaptive Signal Control Pilot in Maricopa County, Arizona, Reduced Vehicle Delay by 322 Hours per Week at the Project Intersection.
A One-Week Field Evaluation Tested an Adaptive Signal Control System at a Signalized Intersection and Projected the Results Countywide to Assess Its Impacts.
Arizona, United States
Time Wasted at Traffic Lights Is Astounding. You Could Get Some of it Back
Summary Information
Traffic signals play a vital role in managing the safe and efficient movement of people and vehicles through intersections, forming the backbone of urban traffic operations. This project implemented an AI-driven adaptive signal control as a pilot in Maricopa County, Arizona. This system used real-time data from cameras to dynamically adjust signal timing based on current traffic conditions using an AI optimization model. Results from a single week of operation at one intersection were extrapolated to 170 intersections across the county for a year to project county-wide benefits.
METHODOLOGY
The system monitored traffic at an intersection using a camera connected via Wi-Fi to an on-site computer with an AI optimization engine. This engine communicated with a central virtual management center through a wireless LTE connection. It was also directly wired to the intersection’s existing traffic signal controller to enable real-time signal adjustments based on traffic conditions. The benefits were quantified through multiple measuring indicators including intersection delay time and operating costs. It should be noted that details on study methodology within the source document were limited.
FINDINGS
During one week of operations, vehicle delay time at the project intersection was reduced, saving an estimated 322 hours for residents of Anthem.
- Average vehicle intersection delay decreased by 46 percent, from 29.5 seconds to 13.7 seconds per vehicle.
- Average cross-traffic intersection delay was reduced by 54 percent, from 26.8 seconds to 12.4 seconds.
- Average pedestrian waiting time decreased by 22 percent, from 42.2 seconds to 33.1 seconds.
The AI-driven adaptive signal control system was estimated to reduce operating costs by 75 percent compared with conventional traffic signal operations.
