WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is deploying new technology to control six traffic signals along 1.5 miles of Highway 100 between Burleigh Street and Walnut Road in Wauwatosa.
Beginning Tuesday, February 19th, the new signal system will adapt in real-time to changing traffic demands. The goal is to optimize traffic flow on Highway 100, especially during peak periods, incidents and construction.
Video and loop detection at each signalized intersection will identify the number of vehicles on Highway 100 and side streets and determine how long a vehicle has been waiting. Signals are linked together with fiber optic communications allowing them to “talk” and relay real-time information. Computers at each intersection use the data to modify signal timings to maximize green times for the 31,000 daily vehicles traveling the corridor as well as side street and left turn movements.
Fine tuning of the adaptive signal system will take place over the next several months. WisDOT is conducting “before-and-after” studies to evaluate the adaptive traffic control system. The signals will be coordinated along the Highway 100 corridor as construction continues on the Zoo Interchange reconstruction project.