HARRISBURG, Pa. — Dauphin County drivers could spend less time stuck in traffic—thanks to the power of AI.
A dozen intersections along a three-mile stretch of Linglestown Road in Susquehanna and Lower Paxton townships will be getting new traffic lights that utilize AI technology.
Drivers who regularly use the road say that many people end up stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
“I notice it mostly with my daughter, with the school traffic," said Kristine Aldridge, who uses Linglestown Road to drive to work and her kids to school. "Being a mom, if I’m off two or three minutes, you could be sitting, and you will be late.”
“It gets really hectic and sometimes people aren’t as friendly, like they’re in a hurry, and you’re not going anywhere," said Bernita Tyson, a Harrisburg resident.
According to a press release by Lower Paxton Township, the new AI traffic light system will, "calculate the speed of the vehicles and monitor their trajectory, and adjust the traffic lights’ timing accordingly." The light system will also monitor weather patterns and make accommodations for emergency vehicles.
Chris Judd with the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors said the technology has already been used in Allegheny County for several years.
“We had a lot of great minds assure us that yes, this is working out in Western Pennsylvania, and yes, it can work here," said Judd.
Despite questions about the future of AI, township officials and residents hope the technology can keep the traffic flowing.
“We’re not sure what AI is going to mean for the future," said Judd. "But when you think about simple technology, moving cars, anticipating traffic, and things like that, I think we’re all comfortable with that.”
“I would hope that it would help with the flow, help people not be stuck sitting in traffic, I think it’s definitely worth trying that," said Aldridge.
The AI traffic lights will be installed at the following intersections:
Susquehanna Township:
- Route 39 & Fargreen Road
- Route 39 & Deer Path Road
- Route 39 & Crooked Hill Road
- Route 39 & Blue Mountain Commons
- Route 39 & Progress Avenue
- Route 39 & Sturbridge Drive
- Route 39 & Oakhurst Boulevard
Lower Paxton Township:
- Route 39 & Crums Mill Road
- Route 39 & Dover Road/Versailles Road
- Route 39 & Forest Hills Drive/Ringneck Road
- Route 39 & Colonial Road
- Route 39 & Patton Road/Woodview Drive
The light system will be installed either in late-2024 or early-2025.