ADA COUNTY -- Spending less time at red lights, it may seem far-fetched, but the Ada County Highway District hopes to make that idea a reality with new technology.
ACHD says next year they will begin installing new, high-tech stop lights, called "smart signals" at some of the county's busiest intersections.
They say this will shave time off for commuters. The lights will be installed in 2013 as part of a pilot program on State Street, Chinden Boulevard, Eagle Road and Glenwood Street.
Unlike current stop lights that are on a timer, the "smart signals" will be able to monitor traffic flow and make continuous adjustments. The lights will also be able to network with other lights to keep traffic flowing, even during busy times.
Terry Little with ACHD says this all translates to a smoother drive.
“The irritating wait that's sometimes there when no one is coming and you don't get the green light -- I think we can cut the chances of that way down,” said Little.
Little says although ACHD is installing a limited number of the lights, more could be installed in busy locations, if the new signals are successful.
The adaptive light technology has been used in Europe for years. Little says the lights are expected to increase efficiency in that particular area by 10 percent.
ACHD says these new lights will be especially beneficial during busy summer holiday travel and after big sporting events downtown, like BSU football games.
ACHD says the new lights will cost a total of $600,000 of federal money.
