Technology to Help Traffic
How fiber lines are helping to keep the traffic flowing through Holly Springs
Dealing with constant traffic congestion is a common grievance for residents of Holly Springs. To alleviate this issue, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has initiated a collaborative effort with town employees, employing fiber lines beneath major intersections to help address congestion.
This initiative, which commenced in 2020, was prompted by a comprehensive traffic study conducted by CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). The study examined traffic challenges not only within Holly Springs but also in the neighboring communities of Western Wake. The program called Intelligent Transportation System, enables real-time monitoring of intersections, with the primary goal of enhancing traffic flow by synchronizing traffic lights. According to a town news release, future plans involve the installation of cameras to monitor roadways.
During a town council workshop meeting held on October 10th, town engineers provided an update on the progress of the program. Currently, approximately 40 intersections have undergone upgrades with fiber lines. The ultimate aim is to have all major intersections upgraded by the conclusion of 2024.
The next phase of this project involves the installation of cameras. Once all the fiber connections are established and operational, the NCDOT will be able to monitor traffic in real-time within the town.
To expedite the connection process, the town has been offered the opportunity to serve as a 'guinea pig' for the ITS program by partnering with the state agency. This collaboration will reduce the cost of upgrades for Holly Springs. Pending council approval later this fall, the town will invest $110,000 in the project, with NCDOT contributing $310,000 towards the town's share. Additionally, there is an extra $2 million in funding from NCDOT to support the broader project.