A series of traffic lights at twelve intersections along Route 39 in Dauphin County will be upgraded with AI technology in order to help adjust the flow of traffic and respond in real-time to changing conditions.
The project is being funded by a 1.2 million dollar grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and will affect twelve intersections are located in Susquehanna and Lower Paxton townships along a three mile span.
At a press conference along Route 39 on Nov. 1, Dauphin County and township commissioners joined with state representatives Tom Mehaffie, Joe Kerwin and Justin Fleming to announce the project.
“The technology is pretty remarkable,” said Dauphin County commissioner Mike Pries. “It uses cutting edge technology, including artificial intelligence, to adjust the flow of traffic based on real-time conditions. It does so with a combination of radar, cameras and other sensors.”
The new technology will include the Miovision Surtac Adaptive Signals traffic management system, which was developed by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Stephen Smith.
The system was designed to take in factors such as inclement weather or congestion in order to reduce traffic jams, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions from idling vehicles. It has been put into use in Allegheny County and “received great feedback from traffic engineers and government officials in western PA,” Pries said.
“Our colleagues in Allegheny County have been very pleased with with AI-based system, so we have high hopes it lessens stress for commuters,” said Lowman Henry, chairman of the Lower Paxton Township supervisors.
The system can also react to first responders, allowing quicker access for ambulance, fire and police vehicles in emergencies, and take into account pedestrians using wheelchairs and bicycles.
“There are a lot of questions, rightfully, about how we use artificial intelligence,” said state representative Justin Fleming. “But I will say this is a practical application of cutting edge technology that will improve the day-to-day lives of residents in this corridor and throughout the county. A safer, less aggravating commute is something we all want.”
The following intersections in Susquehanna Township will be upgraded:
- Route 39 and Fargreen Road
- Route 39 and Deer Path Road
- Route 39 and Crooked Hill Road
- Route 39 and Blue Mountain Commons
- Route 39 and Progress Avenue
- Route 39 and Sturbridge Drive
- Route 39 and Oakhurst Boulevard
The following intersectiosn in Lower Paxton Township will be upgraded:
- Route 39 and Crums Mill Road
- Route 39 and Dover Road/Versailles Road
- Route 39 and Forest Hills Drive/Ringneck Road
- Route 39 and Colonial Road
- Route 39 and Patton Road/Woodview Drive