Maitha_bin_Udai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed connecting all of the traffic signals in the Emirate with the traffic control centre.

The authority is in the process of completing the project of shifting the control of traffic signals from the existing hired telephone lines to the 3G technology, which will enable remote control of signals through RTA traffic control centre.

The project is aimed at enabling better management of traffic congestion at junctions, according to the changing traffic patterns.

There will be a reduction on the delay resulting from the timing and synchronisation issues of the traffic signals such that the control is shifted from wired to wireless systems completely in the Emirate.

"This innovative project will boost the global profile of Dubai, particularly as the system is applied for the first time worldwide."

RTA Traffic & Roads Agency CEO Engineer Maitha bin Udai said: "This innovative project will boost the global profile of Dubai, particularly as the system is applied for the first time worldwide.

"The system has a host of benefits such as its effectiveness, smooth implementation and link with the control centre, easy maintenance and the low-cost compared to the previous scenario, where an infrastructure of cables & lines from service providers are required near each signal."

Represented by the Traffic and Roads Agency, the RTA is said to have finalised the site surveying in order to capture information about the loop location, scoot loop for the entire number of junctions in Dubai, which is 410 junctions.

The authority completed 75% of works for connecting light signals with the 3G wireless network until the middle of last January.

The technology has been used to control 330 signalised junctions in Dubai, and the remaining 500 light signals will be linked with the control centre through the 3G network by the end of March.

Image: RTA Traffic & Roads Agency CEO Engineer Maitha bin Udai. Photo: courtesy of Roads and Transport Authority.