City Strives to Improve Traffic

Edmond traffic! It’s a topic of frequent irritation—but smart technology is improving traffic flow in subtle ways. By monitoring real-time video, analyzing traffic volume patterns, and adjusting signal timing lengths, cars spend less time waiting at lights—really!

In a technology room near Covell and I-35, three engineers monitor Edmond’s traffic on multiple computers and screens. In real-time, they watch cars at intersections and adjust signal lights for situations such as car accidents, road construction, or even a large road event like the LibertyFest parade or Cycle 66.

All three engineers in the Traffic Management Center (TMC), Corson Smith, Hamzah Al-Rashdan, and Brian Hiney, enjoy their jobs, knowing that their behind-the-scenes work is improving travel patterns and road safety—even if the public is unaware of their work.

The Latest Technology
Edmond’s Intelligent Transportation System began taking shape back in 2006. Today, almost two decades later, the City is equipped with some of the best systems in the industry. “The backbone of the system is the network of underground fiber optics,” said Smith, Senior Transportation Engineer who is new to Edmond but has 22 years of experience in the industry.

Fiber optics were recently added along 15th Street, and the next construction phase will focus on Bryant, Boulevard, and 33rd Street corridors. According to Al-Rashdan, a mechanical engineer in Edmond since 2015, the difference is obvious when driving in a large metropolitan area without traffic technology. Edmond drivers, for example, quickly embraced the flashing yellow arrows at left-turn lanes, a luxury that many places still lack.

Other benefits include school zone times and devices on firetrucks that “pre-empt” traffic signals to turn green for approaching emergency vehicles. This technology has improved the response time for first responders. The system also notifies the engineers about equipment failures. “Previously, we had to rely on a citizen calling in an issue,” Al-Rashdan said. “Now, we can troubleshoot a problem when it occurs.”

The Most Challenging Intersections
Although Edmond drivers grumble about road construction, many feel the end result is worth the wait. Based on information generated by the engineers, some roads, such as 33rd & Broadway and, more recently, 2nd & Bryant, were widened. Technology can often improve traffic flow without increasing the number of lanes, which saves millions of dollars.

“We identify the highest crash locations and ask, ‘How can we help decrease collisions and injuries?’” said Hiney, a civil engineer who began working for Edmond in 2015. “Data helps us identify our top priority locations and projects.”

Although drivers might not feel like they are moving around town more efficiently, certain data proves otherwise. “Several years ago, it took an average of nine minutes to drive down 2nd street from Broadway to I-35. That time decreased to five minutes when the new system was implemented,” said Al-Rashdan. “Now that Bryant is widened, it might even be less.”

“We create computer simulations to figure out how to reduce road delays and coordinate the signals to work together to give vehicles green lights as they progress through the system. It works, if drivers are following the speed limit, that is,” Smith said with a knowing grin.

In addition, the engineers can respond to situations as they happen. “We often see accidents using our traffic cameras,” said Hiney. “Wrecks can back up traffic, so we make changes to get things running as efficiently as possible to reduce driver frustration and to prevent further collisions.”

Hiney finds it satisfying to identify the small changes that make a difference to drivers. “For example, a large soccer tournament recently created traffic delays, but a few minor modifications drastically improved travel time into and out of the area,” said Hiney. “I love my job. Anything that gets road users to their destinations more safely and efficiently is my goal every day.”