The SMART Intersection integrates LiDAR sensors and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems to enhance safety and efficiency at urban intersections. Developed by the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University, this technology creates real-time connections between vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure to prevent collisions and improve traffic flow.
How SMART Intersections Work
At the heart of each SMART Intersection is a sophisticated network of LiDAR sensors and roadside units that continuously monitor traffic patterns and pedestrian movement. These sensors capture detailed, real-time data about all road users approaching and moving through the intersection. This information is then processed and communicated to vehicles and infrastructure through V2X technology, enabling dynamic responses to changing traffic conditions.
The system’s key components work together to create a comprehensive traffic management solution:
- Advanced LiDAR sensors track and visualize movement patterns
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems relay real-time information to vehicles and infrastructure
- Dynamic Messaging Systems alert drivers and pedestrians to potential hazards
- On-Board Units (OBUs) enable priority signaling for transit and emergency vehicles
- Data Collection and Analysis tools provide insights for future improvements
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
SMART Intersections significantly improve road safety through several innovative features:
Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection
The system’s early warning capabilities enhance drivers’ spatial awareness of vulnerable road users, helping prevent collisions before they occur. LiDAR technology tracks pedestrian and cyclist movements over time, identifying potential conflict points and allowing for proactive safety measures.
Transit and Emergency Vehicle Priority
Equipped with special On-Board Units, public transit vehicles can request priority at traffic signals, improving schedule reliability. This same technology grants immediate priority to emergency vehicles, helping first responders reach their destinations more quickly.
Data-Driven Infrastructure Improvements
By collecting and analyzing detailed traffic pattern data, SMART Intersections provide valuable insights for urban planners. This information helps identify areas needing infrastructure improvements and supports evidence-based decision-making for future development.
Vehicle Conflict Dashboard
This dashboard shows the frequency of conflicts between vehicles and between vehicles and non-vehicles at the SMART Intersection at Cold Spring and Hillen Road near the Morgan State University Campus. It then generates a safety score, reflecting how collision risk changes over time at the intersection. The dashboard also tracks Post-Encroachment Time (PET) – the time gap between road users passing through the same point. The map shows PET values as bubbles, where smaller bubbles indicate higher collision risk. The visualization categorizes conflicts by type (vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-bicycle) and displays trends over time to identify potential safety concerns.
West North Avenue Implementation
In a groundbreaking partnership with the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), five SMART Intersections are being deployed along Baltimore’s historic West North Avenue corridor. This implementation, spanning from Bloomingdale Road to Mt. Royal Avenue, builds upon successful installations at Morgan State University.
The West North Avenue project demonstrates the SMART Intersection’s versatility in supporting community development goals. By improving traffic safety and transit reliability, these installations will help create a more vibrant commercial district that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
For more information about implementing SMART Intersection technology in your community, contact the National Transportation Center at 443-885-3666 or ntcstaff@morgan.edu.