Council Approves System to Improve Traffic for North Tyler

TYLER — The Tyler City Council took a decisive step forward in its effort to improve traffic flow Wednesday when councilmembers voted unanimously to expand the City’s adaptive control system (ACS) to a section of NNW Loop 323. The ACS system uses cameras and radar to detect traffic volumes and makes signal timing adjustments in real time. “The ACS system is like having a traffic engineer at every intersection making constant adjustments,” explained Traffic Engineer Peter Eng. “This will be the fourth corridor where we have installed this technology. We are seeing significant improvements in traffic progression and anticipate a similar impact with this project.”

In addition to the camera and radar detection equipment, the City also will install a radio communication system using a combination of underground wiring and wireless equipment as well as a cable modem. “Tyler will be the first City in Texas to use this cutting edge technology that combines radar and camera detection,” said Eng. “This will allow for detection of oncoming vehicles up to 600 feet and will provide count, speed and occupancy data.”

“Addressing traffic congestion was the number one concern identified in the Tyler 21 comprehensive plan,” shared Mayor Barbara Bass. “The City has taken many steps to improve traffic flow in the last three years and has made a lot of headway. I think this enhancement will keep us moving in the right direction.” You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org to read more.