Skip to main content

Siemens introduces new software for “talking” traffic intersections

The city of Abilene, Texas, in the US is using new adaptive traffic control software from Siemens to increase traffic flow along a heavily travelled corridor, where two state highways meet at two intersections about 750 feet apart with elevated railroads passing between them. SEPAC Peer-to-Peer software allows intersection controllers to share information with one another on traffic and pedestrian conditions, allowing the on-street network of controllers to adaptively respond to changing traffic conditions
July 19, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The city of Abilene, Texas, in the US is using new adaptive traffic control software from 189 Siemens to increase traffic flow along a heavily travelled corridor, where two state highways meet at two intersections about 750 feet apart with elevated railroads passing between them.


SEPAC Peer-to-Peer software allows intersection controllers to share information with one another on traffic and pedestrian conditions, allowing the on-street network of controllers to adaptively respond to changing traffic conditions in real-time.

In the field, a controller can transmit information about a large number of vehicles to a controller at the next traffic signal. This allows extra green time for the group of cars to move through multiple intersections, making traffic more efficient for operators and the travelling public.

According to James Rogge, traffic engineer for Abilene, since the implementation of the technology, the City has seen significant improvements in traffic flow through the once congested area.

The Peer-to-Peer feature gives operators a greater level of insight into traffic conditions and more accuracy in adapting traffic patterns to increase flow and ultimately reduce congestion. The SEPAC software can be installed in existing traffic controllers and requires no additional equipment or IT infrastructure.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ITS homes in on cycling safety
    April 9, 2014
    A new generation of ITS equipment is helping road authorities get to grips with cycle safety – and not a moment too soon as Colin Sowman discovers. Cyclists - remember them? Apparently not. At least not according to the OECD 2013 report Cycling, Health and Safety which contains the statement: ‘Cyclists are often forgotten in the design of the road traffic system’. Looking through the statistics that exist (each country appears to compile them differently) it is not difficult to see how such a conclusion cou
  • New approach to real time travel information - free of charge
    February 3, 2012
    Austria's national road operator, ASFINAG, has launched the TMCplus traveller information service which is unusual in that it offers encrypted-level services to all users free of charge. Martin Müllner writes
  • Cost Benefit: There’s still life in the RSU
    May 24, 2021
    A mixture of mobile and static roadside units may be what’s required to fulfil the needs of connected vehicle communications
  • 3M reflect on why CAVs need lines and signs
    May 10, 2017
    Tammy Meehan and Thomas Hedblom of 3M consider the ongoing development of technology needed to introduce connected and autonomous vehicles. The transportation industry is in the midst of the most dramatic shift since Henry Ford introduced horseless carriages. Already we are seeing the increased use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which, along with the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the next few decades, will bring profound changes to vehicles and the environment in which they operate.