CHALLENGE

The City of Sacramento used inductive loop vehicle detection for its actuated signalized intersections for many years. In 2005, the City began a transition from inductive loops to non-pavement intrusive technologies, such as video detection. 

EXECUTION

In addition to helping preserve the City’s pavement and better manage signals during construction projects, video detection was also identified as a higher performing alternative to inductive loops, as it provided detection for bicycles. Autoscope video detection has helped the City meet a 2009 California requirement that bicycles be detected at actuated signalized intersections – otherwise, the signals must be operated fixed-time only. Video detection has become the City’s standard for new and modified signalized intersections, and the existing array of aging and failing inductive loops are gradually being replaced with video detection through maintenance, individual signal projects, or ITS corridor projects.

RESULTS

Currently, the City has installed Econolite’s Autoscope video detection to approximately 300 of their 800 signalized intersections, which are a combination of fixed time and actuated signals. The Autoscope cameras are connected to traffic signal controllers that include 2070 series, Econolite ASC/2, and ASC/3 controllers.

Another significant benefit of video detection is that it offers enhanced flexibility – traffic engineers are able to remotely make detection zone adjustments from the City’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) to address traffic conditions. This enables dynamic/proactive management of intersections and corridors to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow to the public.