The Texas Department of Transportation and Texas A&M Transportation Institute have launched a new initiative called Smarter Intersections, aimed at improving road safety through the use of advanced technology. Katie Turnbull, a Senior Research Fellow with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, explained that they received a $1.9 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for this project.
The goal of Smarter Intersections is to develop next-generation intersections that prioritize the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, who are often the most vulnerable road users. Five intersections on the campus of Texas A&M College Station will be equipped with roadside unit traffic control signal system boxes to alert pedestrians and bicyclists. These boxes will communicate with buses to ensure that signals are activated when a bus is approaching.
In addition to the traffic control system, a collision warning system will also be tested to alert bus drivers of any pedestrians or bicyclists in close proximity to the bus. Testing is set to begin in August or July, with a six-month trial period once students return to campus. Data collected from the study will be analyzed by March of 2025 to determine the success of the project.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute plans to not only evaluate the data but also conduct interviews with students and staff on campus to gather feedback on the initiative. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of Smarter Intersections, which aims
