Smart Intersections: A Pathway to Resilient and Sustainable Cities

This paper explores the future of intersections with a novel approach to traffic control and management. Our research delves into the concept of Smart Intersections, introducing their levels of increasing “smartness,” and their potential impact on traffic flow and safety. From static control to advanced data collection and I2X communication, our findings offer a glimpse into a future where intersections are a key player in urban mobility. The benefits of implementing Smart Intersections include improved traffic flow, reduced congestion, increased safety, and more efficient use of resources. Our research highlights the potential for Smart Intersections to improve public transportation through bus and train prioritization at intersections. Building off this, Smart Intersections could also inform individual actors in advance and communicate the current status of traffic as well as gather additional data. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of Smart Intersections, from their current state to the highest level of smartness, and the steps necessary to make this technology a reality in a real-life example. It also explores alternative possibilities, such as multi-agent systems, and their possible application in Smart Intersections.