Brady PieperThe North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is launching a new pilot program and app to improve road safety and mobility near Raleigh.
NCDOT’s Multimodal Connected Vehicle Pilot program is a new initiative that utilizes real-time data to improve public safety and transit efficiency. Spanning dozens of congested intersections around Raleigh’s N.C. State University, the pilot aims to provide a more interconnected roadway network and advance the state’s goal of ensuring the safe movement of people and products.
The new program, supported by a $2 million federal grant from the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment program, replaced and installed traffic signal controllers on 27 intersections around the university.
The project area encompassed several key intersections, including Hillsborough Street, Western Boulevard, Avent Ferry Road and Gorman Street.
These new traffic signal controllers will utilize new connected vehicle technologies to track, optimize and change signals proactively to meet changing public needs and to enhance safety.
By installing new traffic signal equipment and infrastructure, these intersection upgrades are anticipated to develop a connected network that enhances transportation systems’ efficiency, communications, reliability and connectivity, according to NCDOT officials.
Pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit riders will now have access to these advanced connected vehicle technologies when travelling on congested intersections in and around the university.
The YU2X App, a central aspect of the pilot program, will provide the public and local communities with real-time updates, alerts and information about traffic, including current traffic signal phases, pedestrian warnings and speed advisories.
The new app, available on IOS and Android devices, is designed to keep road users informed and safe when traveling through hazardous traffic conditions and events.
Additional information on the Multimodal Connected Vehicles Pilot program is available on NCDOT’s website. Publicizing the effort, the department is also providing a YU2X introductory video for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit riders that are looking to get involved.
Photo courtesy Mark Turner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
