What if cars, crosswalks, and traffic signals could talk to each other, creating a seamless flow of safety and efficiency on our roads? This isn’t as far ahead as you might think—it’s a reality unfolding in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, and LaneLight is thrilled to play a role in making it happen.

As one of the key partners in this groundbreaking project, LaneLight provided our In-Road Warning Lights (IRWLs), which were installed back in 2021. For over 4 years, these lights have proven to be not only reliable but also completely maintenance-free, a testament to their quality and durability. These IRWLs are now integrated into the city’s advanced connected vehicle system. The goal? To create a smarter transportation network that not only monitors traffic patterns in real-time but actively enhances safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Our IRWLs used for this project include a half-signal crosswalk system. Here’s how it works: The traffic signal transitions from yellow to red during a crosswalk cycle. The IRWLs, designed as an interlaced model, capable of emitting yellow and red light, mirror this sequence. When the yellow signal is on, warning motorists that a pedestrian is about to cross, the IRWLs illuminate yellow. As the crosswalk signal changes to red, so do the IRWLs, reinforcing the stop command for maximum safety. Additionally, the controller is equipped with technology to connect to connected vehicles, informing them in real time that a crosswalk sequence is in progress. This synchronized functionality ensures a seamless integration of safety features.

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When the yellow signal is on, warning motorists that a pedestrian is about to cross, the IRWLs illuminate yellow

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Pedestrians press the crosswalk button to activate the signal change

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As the crosswalk signal changes to red, so do the IRWLs, reinforcing the stop command for maximum safety

So, what exactly does this look like on the ground? In Peachtree Corners, fleet vehicles equipped with connected vehicle technology communicate directly with infrastructure—including LaneLight’s IRWLs—to sync traffic signals, illuminate pedestrian crossings, and provide immediate, real-time warnings. Our lights, known for their unparalleled visibility, are now part of a system that optimizes traffic flow and makes critical safety features even more effective.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its potential for expansion. Right now, the city is testing connected vehicle technology with two fleet vehicles, but plans are already in place to extend it to hundreds more—and even private vehicles in the future. The applications for LaneLight’s IRWLs in this ecosystem are vast. Picture school zones where crossing signals dynamically adjust to real-time vehicle speeds or emergency response routes where in-road lights signal approaching vehicles to clear the way.

The technology doesn’t stop at vehicles and infrastructure. It’s about creating a holistic network that includes cyclists and pedestrians. Imagine a pedestrian approaching a crosswalk: the system detects their presence, communicates with an oncoming vehicle, and activates LaneLight’s IRWLs to alert both the pedestrian and the driver. It’s a new level of proactive safety that could save countless lives.

Peachtree Corners is like a real-life testing ground for smart city ideas, and our involvement here is just the beginning. Projects like these show how combining LaneLight’s reliable, high-visibility products with advanced technologies like connected vehicle systems can open up a world of possibilities. Whether it’s autonomous shuttles or smarter traffic management, the future of transportation is all about working together, and we’re always ready for future partnerships.

The takeaway? The potential applications for LaneLight’s products go far beyond the traditional. By partnering with innovators in tech and infrastructure, we’re proving that our lights aren’t just warning systems; they’re essential components of the transportation networks of tomorrow. And we’re only getting started.

If you’re curious about how LaneLight’s solutions can fit into your smart city plans, give us a call.

To learn more about the original article that inspired this post, check it out here: Atlanta Suburb to Connect City Vehicles to ‘Everything’

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