FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #14-070
Scott Gastel/Bonny Tsang, (212) 839-4850
NYC Becomes First City in the World to Manage Over 10,000 Signalized Intersections From One Integrated System
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that it now manages over 10,000 signalized intersections in New York City from one integrated system at a single traffic management center, breaking an international record for largest computerized system for signalized intersections.
“New York City is on the cutting edge of technology and I’m pleased to say that the DOT now can boast the largest single system of signalized intersections in the world,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “New York City streets are like no other in the world and it deserves a world-class signalized system to keep this city moving effectively and efficiently.”
Starting in 2006, the DOT worked with TransCore to design and install a centralized traffic control system that modernized the intersection control equipment and utilized wireless technology. This system is being utilized at intersections in all five boroughs and the over $100 million system manages areas that are susceptible to traffic congestion.
By the end of 2015, the DOT will have over 12,800 signalized intersections under the control of one transportation management center and one integrated system. This system is cost-effective and efficient by improving control of traffic management systems and reducing delays. It was utilized in the DOT’s Midtown in Motion, reducing travel times 10 percent on key corridors, such as on Third Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Lexington Avenue. As a result of using this system, DOT is also able to better coordinate with other city agencies, such as NYPD and FDNY, to respond to emergencies more quickly.
As part of this centralized signal system, this summer, the DOT installed additional smart lights in Staten Island, adding more locations to the pilot project. Smart lights, also known as an Adaptive Control System, improve traffic flow as they are programmed to monitor changes in traffic flow in real time and request traffic signal pattern changes from the DOT’s Traffic Management Center, which responds almost immediately with a new pattern.
This centralized signal system was implemented in Transit Signal Priority (TSP) applications to improve service on a number of Bus Rapid Transit routes and it will continue to assist other transit needs throughout the city. In fact, DOT has already begun work with the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) to further utilize the wireless communication system to connect more signals.
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