Case Study: Reducing Traffic Congestion in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Western Systems partnered with the City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to improve their traffic technology at 6 critical intersections.
Background: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Growth Creates Traffic Congestion
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho or commonly referred to as “CDA” sits just across the Washington, Idaho border in the northern part of the state. It has a population of roughly 52,000 and has seen significant growth in recent years. It is also a very popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months as it has many resorts and outdoor activities.
The Challenge: Use Technology to Link Coeur d’Alene’s Busiest Intersections
For over a decade, intersections near the I-90 interchange have caused traffic problems and public frustration. In the past, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) oversaw the signals, dictating traffic on the I-90 ramps, while the city synchronized its signals at the other junctions. This created a challenge, as the state and city used different technology, making it impossible to coordinate traffic flow.
The Solution: Western Systems Provides Best-In-Class Products and Service Expertise
Western Systems partnered with the City of Coeur d’Alene to improve their traffic technology at 6 critical intersections. The project consisted of replacing existing controllers with new Yunex Traffic M60 Controllers running on Yunex Traffic TACTICS & SEPAC software. Peer-to-Peer functionality, and coordination utilizing adaptive split algorithms, was used within the new controllers to connect the intersections so that the City can adaptively respond to changing traffic conditions.
Existing detection devices were also upgraded to the Iteris VantageNext Vector video and radar detection. Soon, in addition to the detection equipment, Western Systems will be assisting with the implementation of the Iteris VantageLive software, which will provide vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian counts to assist the city traffic engineers in making more informed traffic management decisions.
All the intersections were connected by fiber-optic communications and can be accessed from the city’s traffic management center remotely. Within the traffic management center, engineers can access, monitor, and manage the detection cameras and controllers in real-time using Yunex Traffic TACTICS and Iteris Viewer software.
For all the newly installed equipment, the Western Systems Service team worked closely with the City to make sure everything met their needs and is running smoothly.
Outcome: The Reduction of Traffic Congestion Improves the Community’s Quality of Life
After the implementation of the new equipment and systems, Coeur d’Alene saw a significant reduction in traffic congestion during peak hours each day. The community has benefited from improved efficiency of the corridor. In addition, the city, can now easily manage traffic remotely and in real-time – saving time and money while easing local traffic congestion.