| Technology Profile
wireless sensors deliver the
accuracy needed for advanced
traffic management solutions,
but with their significant
advantages such as safety,
ease of installation and
maintainability, wireless sensors
are rapidly become the preferred
solution globally.
pricing applications will readily
demonstrate that the cost of
inaccurate data can be extremely
high. The cost of inaccuracy is
not lost on experienced traffic
agencies and is the key reason
why inductive loops remain
by far the most widely used
technology for vehicle detection
globally for nearly 30 years.
These loops are in the roadway
and provide lane-specific data
without all of the concerns of
occlusion from objects, lighting
conditions, and weather.
Wireless sensors are a fast
growing alternative to inductive
loops because they offer a host of
advantages while retaining the
accuracy level loops established.
Sensors require a fraction of the
installation time resulting in
much less time in the lanes, less
danger for workers, and much
less disruption for the public.
Left: Typical
wireless sensor
installation
Above: Typical
loop installation
software platform for numerous
applications with common
hardware components, thus
achieving operational and cost
efficiencies. Ultimately, using
a wire-based loop in our roads
today is similar in concept to
still using a corded phone.
The cost of inaccurate data
in terms of lost productivity
can be staggering. Our simple
example shows that a 10% count
inaccuracy at a highly traveled
intersection can result in more
than $365K per year in lost
productivity. Only in-pavement
technologies like loops or
Left: In-ground
detection is widely
used for its accuracy
Right: Accurate
vehicle monitoring
keeps costs down
Additionally, only the lane
where the sensor is being
installed needs to be closed,
unlike loops where multiple
lanes may need to be closed
simultaneously to run the
wire to the side of the roadway.
Wireless simplicity
Wireless systems make it easier
to reach locations without
power and/or communications
such as mid-blocks on arterials
and freeway lanes and ramps
where power may not be
available. In addition, wireless
systems benefit from
comprehensive remote
monitoring, diagnostics, and
alerts for all system components
which significantly cuts the
maintenance costs and enables
preventative work which
reduces public complaints due
to detection not functioning.
And finally, sensors operate
on a single comprehensive
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March/April 2020 Traffic Technology International 073
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