Cookeville’s AI traffic cameras installed on the Willow Avenue corridor are already proving to be beneficial.
Cookeville Public Works Director Mary Beth Elrod said the cameras can track data and store it in a database that can be easily sent to T-DOT for review. Elrod said the city used a demo camera over a year ago, and the data that was collected has already brought improvements to Cookeville.
“We were able to get that data to T-DOT and warrant that added turn lane coming from off Willow onto Interstate Drive,” Elrod said. “So we were already seeing the benefits of that project being pushed through with T-DOT, and moved up in priority with just the data we received from the demo camera.”
Elrod said the city is still waiting for the company to finish setting up the system dashboard before it can review data on the whole Willow Avenue Corridor. Elrod said the city expects to have that data within the next several months.
“They do recommend that we allow those controllers to review the traffic and send us those suggested timings for at least three to six months,” Elrod said. “So we get a good snapshot of what our traffic flow is. And it’s not just for a peak time or an off time like Fall Break that is coming up. So we haven’t started analyzing that data yet, but those controllers should already be collecting that data.”
Elrod said only a few cities across the country are getting on board with the AI traffic cameras. Elrod said being one of the few cities getting on board is a way for Cookeville to be ahead of the game.
“We see the traffic constraints, we hear the complaints, and we want to help, and we want to get through traffic just as much as everyone else does,” Elrod said. “So we are trying to keep up with the times and stay ahead of the times if possible, and just keep our traffic flow going good for all of our citizens.”
The city will be installing five more AI cameras on the Jefferson Avenue corridor. Elrod said the city has not yet received the cameras, but the Traffic Division has finished installing fiber cable from the Bunker Hill intersection up to the Walmart intersection in preparation.