A study indicates that traffic lights in Florida are outdated and advocates for AI as a solution to reduce traffic jams

A study by the Urban Transportation Research Center at the University of South Florida (USF CUTR) has revealed that the traffic signal infrastructure in the state is outdated, leading to significant traffic and safety issues.

According to the report, drivers in Florida face average delays of 20.4 seconds at each intersection, exceeding the national average of 18.1 seconds.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, analyzed more than 16,000 signalized intersections across the state and concluded that many of them operate with outdated technologies, primarily designed to favor the flow of motor vehicles, without considering vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

"Our traffic signals really haven't changed significantly since the 1940s and 1950s", stated Jeff Brandes, president of the Florida Policy Project.

"We are in a new generation of capabilities, where the cost of improving our road signage has drastically reduced, especially with the use of artificial intelligence (AI)", he added.

AI as a Solution: A More Efficient and Secure Future

The report highlights that artificial intelligence could be an imminent solution to traffic problems in Florida. The implementation of AI-based systems would allow intersections to adapt in real-time to traffic conditions, improving efficiency and reducing harmful emissions.

Success cases like the connected vehicle pilot program in Tampa and the smart control system NoTraffic, which has been deployed in several cities across the United States, demonstrate that AI can reduce delays at intersections by up to 25% and enhance road safety.

In Florida, its implementation would consist of several phases, including diagnosis and digitalization, spanning three years, during which intersections would be digitized with sensors, cameras, and real-time monitoring devices. This would allow for the creation of a detailed inventory and the collection of consistent data.

In a second phase, the study plans to initiate pilot projects in cities such as Tampa or Miami to adjust traffic light cycles using AI algorithms. The reduction of delays, emissions, and accidents would be assessed.

They also propose a third phase focused on integration with existing systems, which would connect the new devices to the Traffic Management Centers (TMC), enabling automatic adjustments based on traffic conditions. This would include cybersecurity and remote updates.

These measures would be accompanied by a state-level scaling, which would establish uniform protocols to ensure interoperability and maintenance standards. Open data would also be encouraged to promote innovation.

Finally, they consider continuous optimization, where the algorithms would automatically adjust based on the collected data, while incorporating predictive analysis to prevent congestion and accidents.

However, it is important to emphasize that the study does not imply an immediate implementation of the proposed solutions, but rather it is a guidance document that sets forth a set of strategic recommendations for the short, medium, and long term.

There is still no official execution schedule at the state level, so its implementation will depend on future political decisions and investments by the relevant authorities.

However, with the implementation of these recommendations, Florida could transform its traffic system, ensuring a more efficient and safe flow for the millions of residents and tourists who travel its streets each year.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Study of Obsolete Traffic Lights in Florida