City exploring AI for traffic signals
The AI technology will help optimize traffic signal timing based on real-time data. This is expected to reduce congestion and improve overall traffic efficiency in Cookeville. Residents can look forward to smoother traffic flow and reduced commute times with this innovative approach. The city's initiative to leverage AI for traffic management showcases a commitment to embracing technology for the benefit of the community. Cookeville's adoption of AI for traffic signals sets an example for other cities looking to enhance their transportation systems.
Cookeville AI Traffic Flow Improvement
Cookeville may soon become one of just a few cities in the country using AI to improve traffic flow at intersections. The city council is considering the purchase of five Currux Vision AI Systems, Smart City ITS Server and Software, intersection detection cameras and accessories for the city's traffic division of the public works department.
"We've researched this all over the country, and we've got two in trial real-time systems, so we're not behind anybody on this," Cookeville City Manager James Mills said. Cookeville Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod mentioned that Mobile, Alabama, and Las Vegas are already using the Currux system. In Florida, they have standalone intersections but not connected.
Councilman Ali Bagci emphasized the flexibility of the system, stating, "At worst case, at the infant stages of this, you can take all this right here and somebody can look at it on a data board and make adjustments." Elrod added, "And pull the data out and get it into traffic software."
Implementation Details
The five intersections on Willow Avenue where the equipment and software would be used are the two intersections at the on and off ramps of I-40, Interstate/Foreman Drive, County Services Drive, and Jackson Street. The contract with Currux is for $69,075 plus $8,618 for cameras, brackets, camera mounts, and cable. City officials initially considered starting with Jefferson Avenue until the recent announcement was made about the new Target and Home Depot shopping center coming next year to the southeast corner of Willow Avenue and I-40.
Elrod explained the technology, stating, "The concept of these are they are AI systems, and we have the loops in the pavement that currently detect cars, but this is a camera system that the camera is detecting, through computers and AI, you set up your loops virtually in the cameras, and they detect the cars, and they can classify them." She further elaborated on the system's capabilities, including detecting pedestrians, motorcycles, near misses, crashes, and vehicles passing through red lights.
Future Plans
The proposed purchase of the equipment for five intersections is a first step toward using AI at intersections on a loop around the city. Elrod expressed the city's goal of expanding the AI system to cover a full loop around the city, encompassing about 14 total intersections. The focus initially will be on key intersections to optimize traffic flow and safety.
The council meeting agenda also includes a variety of other topics such as Arbor Day Proclamation, fire station construction change orders, sidewalk construction cost-share agreement, surplus equipment declaration, and various public hearings and readings for zoning and ordinance amendments.
The council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at Cookeville City Hall located at 45 E. Broad St.