The city of Arlington plans to install traffic detectors equipped with artificial intelligence to help manage traffic ahead of major events such as the 2026 World Cup.
A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Public Works said the city will use AI-powered NoTraffic detectors at 30 intersections around the entertainment district “to improve safety and efficiency for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.” He said he is investing $600,000 in the purchase.
AT&T Stadium in Arlington is scheduled to host nine games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Officials expect each game to draw Super Bowl-sized crowds, or tens of thousands of people, to the area.
According to the city, the NoTraffic detector collects and analyzes data to predict traffic flow, “adapts to congestion, highlights positive and negative patterns, and even communicates between traffic lights to alert vehicles. “to facilitate the flow of people into and out of entertainment venues,” he said. district.
NoTraffic says traditional traffic lights still operate at fixed times, but its technology is designed to operate in real time.
“NoTraffic’s plug-and-play AI sensors identify different types of approaching road users and calculate their speed and location at human eye level,” the company said in a video posted online. I’m explaining.
According to the video, the platform can also detect car accidents and suggest alternative routes to traffic managers.
“This is the first time a traffic light reacts to dynamic road conditions in real time,” the company explained.
A city spokesperson said NoTraffic is being used at several intersections as part of a pilot program. Crews will begin installing the new sensors in early 2025 and begin opening each intersection once completed, for a total completion date of early 2026.
Funding will come from 2023 bonds and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
The new technology will also help local businesses like J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, which runs buses to and from AT&T Stadium for its customers.
Restaurant President Randy Ford said his company’s buses will transport between 1,500 and 2,200 Cowboys fans on game days.
Other events such as concerts cost hundreds of tickets.
“J. Gilligan, we don’t need to play the Super Bowl every night, but if they did what regular Cowboy home games are, it would be huge, nine games like that. ” said Ford.
He said the company’s buses have already adapted to efficiency improvements and NoTraffic will make them even more efficient.
“We have a special road and it’s there for a reason, like a right turn is better than a left turn,” Ford said.
He’s already preparing for the crowds in his own way, adding more bathrooms and renting a building across the street.
“It’s needed for a larger dining area or if someone wants to do some sort of party or soccer event,” Ford explained.
Ford expects to operate perhaps a few dozen buses transporting thousands of buses and feeding them.
“If these nine games are all close to Super Bowl level, it’s going to be a really exciting game,” he said.
