LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city's traffic engineers are turning to data analytics to reduce congestion, prevent crashes and support the broader Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

During a presentation to the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee on September 15, traffic officials outlined multiple pilot programs using sensors, video feeds, navigation apps and adaptive signal systems to optimize vehicle movement across Lexington's roadways.

The city collects traffic data from road sensors, radar detection systems, historical records, GPS navigation apps and collision reports. That information feeds into the city's Traffic Management Center, which uses software to communicate with traffic signals connected through fiber-optic cable across the region.

The city is testing three adaptive signal systems developed by vendors including SCATS Vision, Flow Labs and NoTraffic. On Tates Creek Road, a federally funded Flow Labs project is helping identify system deficiencies and guide corridor improvements. On Oliver Lewis Way, a NoTraffic system adjusts signal timing in real-time based on traffic demand and also tracks red-light violations to identify dangerous intersections.

Lexington also tracks street-level traffic speeds using navigation data and recently partnered with Google Green Light, which analyzes traffic patterns and recommends minor signal timing adjustments. The city has implemented some recommendations, though staff are still evaluating their effectiveness.

Lexington has adopted Vision Zero, a commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on streets. In December 2022, the Urban County Council adopted a Complete Streets Policy that prioritizes safety for walkers, cyclists, transit riders and people with disabilities alongside vehicles.

Traffic engineers acknowledged challenges in their data-driven approach, including inconsistent data quality, limited coverage on low-volume routes and difficulty integrating information from multiple sources. Despite these obstacles, the city continues exploring how analytics can guide safer street design and operations.