Pennsylvania to deploy tech that gathers real-time ELD data to extend green lights for commercial vehicles

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) plans to launch a new pilot program intended to cut down on traffic by reducing the amount of time that commercial vehicles idle at intersections.

On January 16, PennDOT announced the reception of a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the agency’s Freight Signal Priority (FSP) technology pilot.

As part of the pilot, PennDOT will install new technology two high truck traffic locations in central Pennsylvania, on Cameron Street in the City of Harrisburg and along the Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County.

From PennDOT:

“The technology uses real-time GPS data from truck electronic logging devices (ELDs) to determine a truck’s speed and location. When the truck is approaching a traffic signal, the system sends a priority request to the signal controller, causing the green light to be extended by five to seven seconds. This allows the truck to safely move through the intersection instead of stopping, which keeps traffic moving and reduces emissions produced by trucks idling.“

PennDOT says that the FSP technology could “relieve congestion and reduce air pollution while ensuring goods can more quickly get to market.”

Officials say that FSP technology has been successfully deployed in other states including Texas.

If the pilot program proves to be successful, PennDOT plans to deploy it in other high freight volume areas across the state.

“Efficient movement of goods is central to our economy, however truck traffic can create congestion, cause supply chain delays and increase pollution in our communities.” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a critical freight hub. The Shapiro Administration looks forward to piloting this technology that will help keep our trucks and goods moving while also keeping our air cleaner.”

“Truck congestion has a significant impact on the supply chain, causing delays, increasing costs for consumers, and making the job more challenging for truck drivers,” said Rebecca Oyler, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. “Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the U.S. for statewide costs related to truck congestion at over $3.7 billion, so we’re excited to be on the cutting edge with this pilot project. Technology solutions hold a lot of promise for helping to solve the challenging issue of truck congestion. We’re anxious to see the results of the project.”