Abu Dhabi to get new Dh33 million central traffic control system

The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi, has commenced work on the Dh33 million adaptive traffic control central system project in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to be accomplished by early 2015, in line with the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) aimed to build an integrated and sustainable transport infrastructure.

The project encompasses implementing and deploying the new traffic control central system (SCOOT), one of the world’s leading proven systems utilised in more than 120 cities worldwide. The system offers high flexibility and interactivity to respond to all changing traffic scenarios via data generated by vehicle counting and classification sensors whilst being able to automatically coordinate traffic movement with nearby intersections to ensure integrated management of traffic on Abu Dhabi road networks.

The existing central control and field control systems will be replaced by this new central control system which is smoother, more flexible and adaptive to respond to traffic flow on Abu Dhabi’s 125 intersections via approximately 20 sensors at each intersection to monitor and report traffic volumes.

The new system has built-in capabilities to give priority to public transport vehicles such as buses, ambulances and emergency cars whilst leveraging instant response levels to traffic incidents by better management of accidents and vehicle breakdowns on the roads. The system will ensure complete and integrated linkage of Abu Dhabi’s traffic control with other systems in Al Reem, Maryah and Yas Islands.

The new control system helps provide data and information on traffic movement needed for study and analysis by monitoring and reporting on Level of Service (LoS) at the controlled corridors in order to propose adjustments of the traffic signal timings on the road network. Such information will also be used to alert motorists on traffic congestion locations. In order to ensure that the system will be fully operational, the DoT will train and qualify a team of UAE engineers and technicians on management and operation of the system through various training sessions and workshops covering both theoretical and practical aspects. 

Salah Al Marzouqi, Director of Integrated Intelligent Transportation Systems Division at the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, said, "This project is considered one of the key projects of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Strategy launched by the DoT in 2010. It will ensure better management of the road traffic network and less congestions whilst boosting the levels of vehicle safety and movement within Abu Dhabi by deploying intelligent and integrated traffic control systems that supports the STMP and Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision to be one of the world’s top governments and destinations."

This implementation of the traffic control system project coincides with the Dh16 million renovation of Traffic Management Centre which is nearing completion. The work is aimed at developing and updating the centre to accommodate the existing and new traffic control systems whilst absorbing growing working cadres mandated to 24X7 managing, operating and maintaining of these systems.



 

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