News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. This funding will enable the implementation of two innovative traffic safety systems: an AI-driven collision prediction system and a smart crosswalk system. These initiatives aim to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic response times, representing a significant step forward in urban mobility solutions. The project highlights the collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to foster economic growth and innovation in the city.
Chattanooga Receives $500,000 for Traffic Safety Innovations
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Research Institute’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) has secured a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) fund. This financial support will facilitate the development and deployment of two innovative traffic safety and smart mobility systems in Chattanooga.
Funding Details and Project Overview
The awarded funds will be allocated towards two distinct projects aimed at enhancing traffic safety within the city. The first initiative is a collaboration with DENSO, which plans to leverage artificial intelligence technology to anticipate potential traffic collisions and monitor accidents in real-time. This system is expected to significantly improve response times and safety measures in Chattanooga.
The second initiative is a groundbreaking partnership with LG CNS to introduce the nation’s first smart crosswalk system in Chattanooga. This system will incorporate real-time sensors and artificial intelligence to modify signal timings and enhance visibility for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Significance of the Initiatives
Dr. Mina Sartipi, the executive director of UTCRI, expressed enthusiasm regarding the leadership role of UTC in initiating these critical TNGO-funded projects. Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley emphasized the institution’s commitment to innovation and the potential benefits these systems will bring to the quality of life and economic development in Chattanooga.
The need for enhanced mobility solutions is a priority for Tennessee’s TNECD Commissioner, Stuart C. McWhorter, who underscored the vital collaborations between the University of Tennessee System and industry partners to promote economic growth and create job opportunities. UT System President Randy Boyd stated that fostering university-industry partnerships is essential for advancing research and development throughout the state.
TNGO Program and Historical Funding Initiatives
Established by the Tennessee General Assembly, the TNGO program’s primary objective is to forge connections between higher education institutions and industries focused on mobility-related innovations. CUIP has a proven track record of securing substantial funding, including a $1.1 million grant earlier in 2023 intended to improve detection methods for vulnerable road users in Chattanooga, and a $2 million SMART grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Other Traffic Management Innovations in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is poised to implement advanced traffic management technologies across downtown, following a successful two-year pilot program targeting 12 intersections along the M.L. King Boulevard smart corridor. The city plans to deploy Ouster’s BlueCity lidar traffic management solution, recognized as the largest installation of lidar detection technology in the United States, aimed at enhancing roadway safety.
This lidar-enabled smart traffic solution is set to be expanded to over 120 intersections, thereby improving traffic flow and bolstering pedestrian safety. The project will encompass advanced detection capabilities, which include traffic actuation, the ability to recognize near-misses, and comprehensive data collection for better urban planning and safety interventions.
Future Prospects and City Leadership
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has highlighted the city’s initiative to adopt smart city technologies that focus on improving roadway safety and the overall quality of life for its residents. The Ouster BlueCity system will utilize real-time 3D mapping technologies to monitor vehicles, pedestrians, and various roadway objects, thereby optimizing traffic management strategies.
Looking ahead, the project is expected to expand by the end of 2025 and aims to employ deep learning artificial intelligence for sophisticated object classification and detection in a range of traffic scenarios, further enhancing the city’s commitment to innovation and public safety.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Traffic Management Technology
- Business Wire
- Google Scholar: Smart Traffic Systems
- News Channel 9
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Transportation
- Hypepotamus
- Google News: Chattanooga Traffic Safety
