Chattanooga, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is set to greatly improve road safety with its new SMART corridor project on Martin Luther King Boulevard. This initiative leverages advanced technologies like AI and LIDAR to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The project also prioritizes emergency responders in traffic, allowing for quicker responses during emergencies. Funded by significant grants, including $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the SMART corridor is part of Chattanooga’s effort to lead in smart city innovation.
Chattanooga is set to enhance road safety significantly with the launch of its new SMART corridor project on Martin Luther King Boulevard. This initiative aims to incorporate advanced technology designed to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The project has been in the works since 2018 and has garnered millions in funding, including a critical $2 million grant from the US Department of Transportation.
The SMART corridor will leverage innovative technology such as AI, LIDAR, and wireless communication systems to provide predictive alerts about potential accidents and improve situational awareness beyond human capabilities. One significant aspect of the project is the implementation of tools that give priority to first responders as they navigate through traffic to respond to emergencies. When a fire engine approaches, for example, it will receive priority access at traffic lights, allowing for a quicker response time.
Chattanooga’s SMART corridor project is part of a broader effort to position the city as a leader in smart city innovation. With a total of 128 communication units planned for multiple corridors following the initial deployment on MLK Boulevard, the project aims to improve traffic navigation and safety. LIDAR sensors will continuously track pedestrian and vehicle movements, enabling the system to anticipate potential collisions more effectively. Future enhancements may allow for communication between cars and emergency vehicles, potentially reducing the need for traditional sirens.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) plays a vital role in this project, as the UTC Research Institute leads the technological aspects of the initiative. Graduate students from UTC are actively involved in applying these technologies to real-world scenarios, thus providing practical experience outside of the classroom settings.
In addition to the initial grant, UTC has also received an additional $500,000 from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support ongoing smart city projects. One of the associated initiatives, the UTC-DENSO project, focuses on predicting and detecting traffic incidents, while the UTC-LG CNS project aims to enhance crosswalk safety, particularly for vulnerable populations, ensuring that the implementation of smart technologies benefits the entire community.
The overall goal of the SMART corridor project is to enhance traffic safety and emergency response strategies throughout Chattanooga, creating a model that other cities may follow. With these advancements in technology and significant investments in infrastructure, Chattanooga is poised to improve the overall safety and efficiency of its roadways in the coming years.
Key Features of the SMART Corridor Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Smart Technology | Utilizes AI, LIDAR, and wireless communication for predictive crash alerts. |
| Emergency Response Prioritization | Grants traffic light priority to first responders during emergencies. |
| Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety | Enhancements focused on safety for vulnerable road users. |
| Collaboration with UTC | UTC students apply technology in real-world scenarios. |
| Future Technologies | Potential for vehicle communication with emergency services. |
FAQ
What is the SMART corridor project?
The SMART corridor project is an initiative in Chattanooga that implements advanced technology to improve road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists through predictive alerts and emergency responsiveness.
What technologies are used in the SMART corridor?
The project utilizes AI, LIDAR, and wireless communication technologies to enhance traffic safety through predictive alerts and improved situational awareness.
Who is involved in the SMART corridor project?
The project is a joint effort between the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), with UTC students contributing to the implementation of the technology.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the SMART corridor project?
The project aims to increase safety for all road users, streamline emergency responses, and position Chattanooga as a leader in smart city innovation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Introduces First Smart Crosswalk System
Chattanooga Secures $500,000 Grant for Traffic Safety Initiatives
Chattanooga Receives Grant for Traffic Safety Innovations
Chattanooga Receives $500,000 Grant for Traffic Safety Projects
Chattanooga’s Mill Town Neighborhood Undergoes Transformation
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Tests Traffic Tech to Improve Safety
- Wikipedia: Smart City
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga’s SMART Corridor on MLK Boulevard Shows Promise
- Google Search: SMART Corridor Chattanooga
- WDEF: UTC Receives $500,000 Grant to Advance Smart Traffic and Safety Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- Times Free Press: UTC Chattanooga Pact Accelerates AI’s Local Integration
- Google News: Chattanooga Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
