Improving Traffic Efficiency via Data-Driven Signal Retiming
The Town of Amherst, NY, embarked on a project to improve traffic efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through data-driven signal retiming. The project, supported by $327,000 in funding, focused on leveraging Miovision technology to retime signals on two major corridors: Maple Road and Wehrle Drive.
Outdated signal timing plans can lead to increased congestion, slower travel times, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. Despite best practices suggesting updates every three to five years, these updates often get delayed due to resource constraints and are frequently based on outdated data without proper impact measurement.
In 2021, Amherst decided to invest in smart intersection technology from Miovision across their network to enable more regular and data-driven traffic signal maintenance and retiming.
Key Outcomes
Before and after studies using Miovision Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPMs) showed significant improvements:
- Cost Savings: $587,800 annually for drivers
- Fuel Savings: $128,800 annually
- Environmental Impact: Reduction of 217 tons of CO2 emissions annually
- Efficiency: 11% reduction in average travel time for Maple Road eastbound direction
This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of data-driven signal retiming in improving traffic efficiency and reducing environmental impact, offering a model for other cities to follow