Central ND News

The City of Bismarck is implementing advanced traffic systems to enhance the efficiency and safety of its roadways. With over 55 intersections connected to Centracs, a cloud-based software, the city aims to improve traffic control by providing real-time data visibility and enabling remote adjustments to traffic patterns.

Bismarck Traffic Engineer Christopher Holzer explained that "traffic control is a whole package and Centracs is part of the package." The system allows for live video streaming from detection cameras, helping staff identify and address issues promptly. However, Holzer noted that while AI solutions are integrated into the system, human oversight remains crucial: "Humans still set the timings, but in the future... maybe it is the system making some of these decisions."

Traffic management in Bismarck prioritizes safety and efficiency. Holzer emphasized that effective traffic control should be easily understood by the public: "They know what they are supposed to do, and it works efficiently to get them through an intersection safely." Yet challenges such as uneven traffic flow or distracted driving can disrupt this balance.

Emergency responses also impact traffic flow. First responders' vehicles preempt signals for uninterrupted passage, which can temporarily desynchronize other signals. Holzer highlighted that while Centracs offers AI suggestions for managing abnormalities, it's not yet fully autonomous: "Some of the quirks are still being worked out."

Paul Lies, Traffic Maintenance Superintendent since the early 1990s, noted significant advancements in technology from mechanical timing mechanisms to modern computerized systems. He acknowledged ongoing efforts to update equipment every five years despite budget constraints: "Right now... some of the video equipment... is 20-plus years old."

The transition from copper connections to fiber optic networks marks another technological shift. Bismarck IT/GIS Manager Tandra Kraft explained this change aims at standardization: "Some of the cameras used at intersections were getting... old enough that their software was no longer compatible with our servers."

Fire Chief Joel Boespflug underscored how emergency vehicle preemption devices aid response times while maintaining public safety: "A fire engine is about 55,000 pounds... They don’t stop on a dime." The integration helps clear paths for emergency vehicles but may momentarily disrupt regular traffic flow.

Bismarck Police Department's Traffic Division monitors collision reports closely. Lt. Jeff Solemsaas stated that collaboration with Engineering helps reduce collisions: "We try to reduce [collisions] with the use of traffic control." Notably, State Street and 43rd Avenue has seen a decrease in incidents due to adjusted signal timings.

As new data becomes available from 2024 onwards, Bismarck hopes these technological advancements will continue improving roadway safety for residents and visitors alike.