News Summary
Chattanooga has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to enhance traffic safety through innovative AI solutions. The funding will support projects by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, including an AI traffic pattern analysis system and the nation’s first smart crosswalk, aiming to increase safety for vulnerable pedestrians. These initiatives position Chattanooga as a leader in urban mobility solutions and enhance public safety across the city.
Chattanooga Receives $500,000 Grant for Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Initiatives
The City of Chattanooga has been awarded a significant $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) aimed at enhancing traffic safety and smart mobility. Funded through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) program, this grant will support the development and implementation of two innovative projects led by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP).
Project Details
The first project, in collaboration with DENSO, will employ artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyze traffic patterns and predict potential collisions while also facilitating real-time accident detection. This initiative aims to improve response times for accidents and help prevent future incidents through better data analysis.
The second project, created in partnership with LG CNS, is set to introduce the first-ever smart crosswalk system in the nation within Chattanooga. This advanced system will feature real-time sensors and AI integration to allow for dynamic adjustments of crossing signal times. It is designed to enhance safety, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities by ensuring better visibility at crosswalks.
Community and Economic Impact
The implementation of these projects is expected to make Chattanooga a frontrunner in urban mobility and public safety initiatives. Experts from the CUIP highlight this collaboration with DENSO and LG CNS as a pivotal step forward, indicating that such partnerships position Chattanooga as a leader in innovative solutions for urban challenges.
UTC Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley emphasized that this funding reflects the university’s commitment to leading innovation endeavors and contributing beneficially to both local and state economies. Meanwhile, TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter pointed to the essential role of collaboration between the University of Tennessee System and industry partners in drawing new business opportunities to the state.
Broader Context of the TNGO Program
The TNGO program, established by the Tennessee General Assembly, focuses on fostering mobility-related research and development by creating connections between higher education institutions and industry contributors. It aims to tackle pressing transportation issues and stimulate economic growth through innovative solutions.
Since its inception, the TNGO program has funded nine collaborative projects, with the initiatives led by CUIP being significant in their scope and ambition. In addition to this latest funding, CUIP received a $1.1 million grant earlier this year from the Federal Highway Administration for projects aimed at improving the detection of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists along Chattanooga’s Smart City Corridor.
Further reinforcing their commitment to enhancing transportation safety, CUIP and the City of Chattanooga successfully secured a $2 million SMART grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2022. This funding has been allocated to implement Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, particularly at dangerous mid-block crossings.
Conclusion
These initiatives underscore a critical investment in the future of urban mobility and public safety in Chattanooga. Local officials indicate that the overarching goal of these various projects is to streamline traffic flow while simultaneously ensuring a safer environment for all road users, particularly those most at risk.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- WDEF News 12
- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Smart City
- Hypepotamus
- Google News: Urban Mobility
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.
