Traffic Computer Eases Traffic Flow

A sophisticated new traffic computer looking for all the world like something out of Star Wars has been installed in Pleasanton's City Hall.

Featuring a system of blinking lights, the computer will regulate the signal changing sequence so cars traveling at the speed limit can pass through a "green" for long stretches at a time.

City-wide computerized traffic signals help to improve traffic flow, minimize screeching brakes and ease the grinding of driver's teeth.

The computer, installed this month in city hall, will not eliminate red lights of course, but it will reduce the number you're likely to hit. In addition, the computer will display the entire city's traffic light system and how it works.

Originally, computer regulated lights were planned for inside Hacienda Business Park only.

The park's developers, Prudential Insurance Company of America and Callahan Pentz, hired TJKM, a traffic consulting firm, to recommend the best possible traffic flow solution for the park.

Part of TJKM's research showed that all of Pleasanton could benefit from a computerized traffic light system. The developers worked with the Pleasanton city staff and eventually reached an agreement to plug most of the city's major traffic lights into the central computer.

It won't happen overnight however, according Jack Swanson, General Manager of Northern California Real Estate Operations for Prudential. At first only the lights along Hopyard Road will be affected. Within two years, 32 more north Pleasanton lights will be hooked in. Four years from now the system should control a total of 64 traffic lights.

The master computer, designed by Multisonics in Dublin, California is one of 70 the company has installed throughout the U.S. and Japan. "Our experience shows that while regulating time and speed allows more cars to travel on the road at one time. It also cuts the number of stops each car makes. This uses less gas and creates less pollution," said Roy Dexter of Multisonics.

Financing for this project will come through the proposed North Pleasanton Improvement District. Until the necessary approvals establish that assessment district, the developers of Hacienda Business Park, the largest contributors to that district, have provided funding for the project.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: August 10, 1983 Pathways.

Share this page!