ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

Adaptive Traffic Control Systems were initially introduced in Shreveport and throughout north Louisiana during the 1990s. Designed to both speed and to facilitate traffic flow, Adaptive Traffic Control Systems utilize a combination of traffic cameras, magnetic sensors, and computer servers to monitor, to speed, and to facilitate traffic flow. When operating as designed, these systems either eliminate or significantly restrict traffic "bottlenecks"; and, they enable most vehicles to navigate previously congested thoroughfares with relative alacrity and ease. Unfortunately, however, when then fail to operate as designed, then commuters are often frustrated with the travel conditions created; and, they frequently experience difficulty in determining how such experiences differ from the traditional traffic "bottlenecks" which existed prior to the original implementation of the system. Nevertheless, as Adaptive Traffic Control Systems become increasingly more sophisticated as the 21st century progresses; traffic "bottlenecks" may soon discover themselves "relegated to the ash bins of history", for these technological developments have the potential to transform the futuristic world of The Jetsons into a modern; yet, thoroughly pragmatic reality.

Fermand Garlington

Bibliography: United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Federal Highway Administration (FHA). "Adaptive Signal Control". United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Federal Highway Administration (FHA). Accessed on February 21, 2013. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/technology/adsc/

Citation

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this article.

Fermand Garlington, "ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS" Handbook of North Louisiana Online (http://www…….), accessed …………. Published by LSU-Shreveport.