New technology allows truck drivers to skip traffic lights in Texas

The city of Arlington, Texas, announced the launch of a new technology that will help reduce traffic light delays for truck drivers.

On May 1, the city announced a five-year “Cargo Optimization Services Program” aimed at both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing traffic delays for truck drivers.

The project is planned on June 2023. The technology will affect about 100 traffic lights on Arlington roads designated as freight routes. The technology will also be deployed at 500 traffic lights in multiple jurisdictions throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Truck drivers will soon be able to download a mobile app that will provide information about when the traffic light will change, as well as the recommended speed to get to the traffic light when it is ready to turn green.

“This technology works with our traffic management system to provide a few more seconds of green light and allow a heavy vehicle to pass the intersection without stopping,” Public Works Director Keith Brooks said.

The Freight Optimization Services program is funded by a grant from the US Department of Transportation.