'Smart Studs' Will Open New Freeway Lanes Automatically

2 August 2009 - 1:00pm

A new high-tech system from New Zealand will be installed on L.A.'s 110 freeway, which will feature sensors that will know when traffic slows and open an alternate lane automatically.

"The studs used in the Caltrans project will have embedded sensors that can transmit information over a frequency widely used in aircraft monitoring systems. The data on traffic flow and road and weather conditions are sent to a control center, which relays the information to electronic roadway signs, alerting drivers to resulting lane changes. The Caltrans project requires about 650 of the lights mounted close together in twin lines."

Source: Los Angeles Times, July 31, 2009
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