Intelligent Transportation Systems

What is ITS?

ITS technology maximizes existing capacity, enhances safety, and extends the useful life of the City's transportation system. The proper use of ITS technology can enhance transportation systems without physically altering surface transportation systems. ITS uses advanced electronic systems to monitor traffic conditions, control traffic flow, and provide information to motorists about traffic conditions to help guide pre-trip decisions about mode and route.

How is ITS being used in Greensboro?

The City is using several ITS elements to manage traffic. The Traffic Signal System, Coliseum Traffic Management System, and Greensboro Traffic Management Center are used daily and during special events to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Greensboro Signal System

Greensboro's initial venture into ITS came with the installation of the City's first signal system in 1974. Signal Systems are the backbone of any Metropolitan ITS. The Signal System was upgraded in 1994 and now controls 361 signalized intersections. The signals are divided into 35 coordinated sections, with 345 of 361 signals in coordination. The Signal System is operated out of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, where the 361 signals throughout Greensboro are monitored and controlled.

Traffic Signals

The Greensboro Traffic Management Center is housed in the Justice Communication Complex at 1201 Coliseum Boulevard. The facility was jointly funded by the City of Greensboro and the North Carolina Department of Transportation and is staffed by NCDOT from 5:30 am to  9:30 pm.
 
Traffic Monitoring System
The center's traffic monitoring system consists of 32 monitors arranged in two 4-foot by 4-foot video walls, and a 100-inch large screen projector. Seven work stations (four in the TMC and three in the Police Communications Center) can be used to control (pan, tilt, zoom, focus) any of the traffic cameras.  There are 17 CCTV cameras located along Greensboro roadways.

• I-40 / Sandy Ridge Rd
• I-40 / NC-68
• I-40 / Gallimore Dairy Rd
• I-40 / Chimney Rock Rd
• I-40 / Guilford College Rd
• I-40 / Wendover Ave
• I-40 / High Point Rd
• I-40 / High Point Rd
• I-40 / Freeman Mill Rd
• I-40 / I-85 Bus / Patton Ave
• I-40 / I-85 Bus / S. Elm-Eugene St
• NC 68 / W. Market St
• Greensboro Coliseum -NE (Lee St / Coliseum Blvd)
• Greensboro Coliseum -NW (Patterson St / Lee St)
• Greensboro Coliseum -SW (High Point Rd / Ellington St)
• Greensboro Coliseum -SE (Coliseum Blvd / Ellington St)
• Coliseum Blvd / Florida St
• W. Wendover Ave / Bridford Pkwy
• W. Wendover Ave / Edwardia Dr
• W. Wendover Ave / Spring Garden St
• W. Wendover Ave / Holden Rd
• W. Wendover Ave / Benjamin Pkwy
• W. Market St / College Rd / Guilford College Rd
• W. Friendly Ave / College Rd / New Garden Rd
• W. Friendly Ave / N. Holden Rd
• W. Friendly Ave / Green Valley Rd

Dynamic Message Signs

From the TMC, NCDOT controls 16 Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) on the freeway system.  These signs are used to alert motorists to a variety of incidents affecting their daily commute.

High Point Road Reversible Lane Operations
From the TMC, GDOT can remotely control the Greensboro Traffic Signal System and the High Point Road Reversible Lane System Control. There are 16 Variable Message Signs along High Point Road and Coliseum Boulevard for traffic management during special Coliseum events.

Channel 13 Traffic Broadcast
On January 4, 1999 the City of Greensboro began airing live traffic information on Channel 13, using information provided from 14 traffic cameras. Information is also provided about delays, detours, construction, accidents, and safe driving tips.

ITS Links

NCSmartLink.org
NCDOT Traveler Information Management System (TIMS) 
USDOT ITS Website
National Traffic and Road Closure Information