Thanks to new software, the process of counting cars in Bentonville has been streamlined.
In June the city launched a new traffic data collection system with software that allows for the capture of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle counts throughout the city.
There are around 50 traffic signals in Bentonville and the new systems have been installed at 31 intersections for traffic counts, with 11 that include pedestrian counts. Additional intersections with traffic signals will be added to cover the entire city.
The software pares a 3-4 week data collection process down to a matter of minutes.
Before the installation, a traffic count company had to manually install traffic counters, collect the data over a two-week time period, analyze it and then key and export the data to a report.
The software allows for immediate capture of the traffic counts and flow at an intersection and in under a minute compiles the data to a report status.
The system provides up to date instant tracking and allows technology to take the place of manual labor, saving payroll dollars and, with the information to guide the city in making decisions in areas like infrastructure, public safety and economic development.
Existing traffic lights were upgraded with the detection software early this year and the system went on line in June.
The software is cloud based so historical data is always available and real time data is broken into 15-minute reporting segments.
The dashboard allows engineers to view the top intersections by volume and by approach, making it easier to adjust to traffic signals and conduct future planning.
Bentonville is known as one of the top cycling destinations in North America and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has ranked the city a Silver-Level Ride Center.
The city also has a thriving arts scene highlighted by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The number of visitors to these attractions and many others underscores the importance of accurate, swift traffic counts.
Real time data is used to adjust signal timing as needed at Bentonville’s Traffic Monitoring Control Center. If a citizen calls, the provided information is valuable because the city relies on the data to see what is occuring at the intersection.
The system will be expanded to other departments to assist with public safety and economic development.
Real time data on traffic counts is a constant request from economic developers to gauge businesses’ viability, and the system will also be used to attract business to Bentonville.
Other cities in Arkansas have been using the new system as a benchmark and Bentonville welcomes the opportunity to show its progress.
The cost savings that come from not having to hire a traffic consultant to complete traffic counts and the reporting capability to provide the data, plus the savings in man hours, are beneficial to the city.
Bentonville has already saved $10,000 by being able to provide the data for a master street plan the city is working on to guide its infrastructure needs.
Forward thinking by engineers to implement the system will save thousands in taxpayer money and provide the city with updated information to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
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