What are "Smart" Lights?
		Many motorists now understand that technologies exist to help intersections operate better if only the signal were "smarter." Unfortunately, signal timings for green and red at many of todayπs intersections are "pre-timed," meaning there is a set amount of time for both red and green regardless of the amount of traffic. In other instances, you may have approached an intersection that seemed to change from red to green just after you arrived. Many people refer to the traffic lights at these intersections as "smart" lights. Unlike intersections with "pre-timed" lights, this intersection senses that you have arrived at the intersection and the signal will change from red to green as soon as it can after serving traffic from other directions. In general terms, "smart" lights are traffic lights that operate in a more sophisticated manner than "pre-timed" lights. This helps the traveling motorist to spend less time waiting at red lights. For the Woodhaven Road project, these "smart" lights are included for all alternatives, including the No-Build. In fact, the traffic signal systems proposed for this project are state of the art and look to minimize delay for the traveling motorist. For example, intersections along Bustleton Avenue would be coordinated – meaning the signals would work together – to minimize the number of times a motorist would stop at traffic signals. In addition, the Woodhaven Road Project includes other types of "smart" light technologies. All turn pockets would have "detectors" or devices that sense a vehicle is present to provide only enough green time for the amount of traffic in the turn pocket – thereby maximizing the usefulness of the traffic light. All of PennDOT's proposed build alternatives include technologies such as "smart" lights in conjunction with other transportation improvements. These alternatives are designed to alleviate future congestion on roadways throughout the study area. By providing adequate travel lanes and more efficient traffic signals on main thoroughfares in the project area, it is anticipated that congestion within many residential areas would be reduced. As a result, this reduction in congestion within local neighborhoods would better preserve the integrity of the local roadway network, thereby enhancing the cohesion of the community as a whole. For more information on PennDOT's proposed alternatives, please click here.