Hogan says Md. will spend $50 million on smart traffic lights

Continuing his fascination with transportation technology, Gov. Larry Hogan announced new funding on Wednesday for software-controlled traffic lights.
The Smart Traffic Signals are designed to adjust red light timing based on the number of cars on the road, rather than pre-programmed timing. The software can monitor traffic conditions and adjust. It can also sync up an entire corridor to keep the flow of cars going, according to a release from the state.
“By replacing 20-year-old existing controls with Smart Traffic Signals, we will have the ability to respond to changes in traffic flow, as well as traffic conditions immediately – benefiting nearly 700,000 Maryland citizens across the state,” Hogan said in a statement.

We are proud to launch the next phase of our innovative Traffic Relief Plan that employs the newest technology to further ease congestion. pic.twitter.com/2TXiUKgBLz

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 25, 2017

They will be installed on 14 major corridors around the state, Hogan said. The intersections were picked based on intersections to upgrade to Smart Signals based on “traffic volume, intersection capacity, and traffic patterns,” a statement from the governor said. While none in Baltimore city are included, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County have a combined five signals, as well as one each in Jessup, Belair and Aberdeen.
The state is investing $50 million in the plan as part of a move to reduce traffic that also includes a public-private project to widen highways