City Gives the Green Light on Plan to Adjust Uptown Traffic Signals Remotely

CHARLOTTE, NC – The City of Charlotte is looking for ways to speed up your commute through Uptown.

Monday night, City Council gave the green-light for a plan to allow traffic lights to be adjusted remotely.

“That’s super annoying where you’re driving and you’re sitting at a red light and nobody’s coming in any of the other directions. It’s like why am I waiting here?” asks driver Sue Bach.

The project will cost nearly $1 Million to implement what’s called an “Intelligent Transportation System.”

“I think in general it’s a good idea. I think it will help people get to work and home quicker than if it just goes on it’s own,” Bach says.

The plan calls for installing nearly six miles of fiber optic cable, with connections to 27 existing traffic signals. It also includes installing 20 traffic management cameras.

“I think it’s great! It’s about time!” says Cindy Braddy.

She commutes from Gaston County into Uptown Charlotte and knows the frustration.

“Well, what are you gonna do about it? You, know you’ve just kinda gotta grin and bear it,” she explains.

Braddy thinks the plan will also keep people from breaking the law.

“I think it will prevent people from running red lights too, I think, if they know it’s going to change without waiting for a couple minutes,” she says.

The project is slated to be finished by the end of next summer.