Developing a Prototype of a Smart-Lighting System for Isolated Rural Intersections

University Transportation Centers Program2022PDFTech ReportVasudevan, VinodKapourchali Mohammad HeidariUniversity of Alaska AnchorageUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and TechnologyUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)AlaskaUnited StatesIntersectionsLighting systemsPrototypesRural areasSensorsVehicle detectorsActive safety systemsAt grade intersectionsIntelligent transportation systemsFinal Project Report 10/01/2019 \u2013 06/30/2021Rural intersections are high-risk locations for road users. Particularly, during the nighttime, lower traffic volumes make it difficult for drivers to discern an intersection despite traffic signs. The lack of alertness may lead to severe crashes. An effective way to reduce the likelihood of crashes at isolated intersections is to warn road users of the intersection in advance. A smart-lighting system can detect approaching vehicles using sensors and transmit this information to a receiver to illuminate the intersection. By deploying a demand-responsive light, it is expected that the system will provide adequate warning to road users, both motorized and non-motorized. This report documents the development and deployment of a smart-lighting system at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).137