The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has given its approval for the purchase of new technology and software, which will replace the aging traffic counting system at its 18 vehicular river crossings.

The commission has given the approval for the purchase of radar traffic counters, an auxiliary system, and software.

The $268,724 purchase will be made from Signal Services through the Pennsylvania Department of General Services COSTARS Programme.

Installation will be performed by the commission’s maintenance crew and could be completed as early as the end of this year.

"The new system will enable the transmission of data through cell tower technology to the central database, increasing reliability and accuracy."

The commission gathers traffic counts, which it uses to take data-driven decisions with regard to budgeting, maintenance, and long-term capital improvements. However, its existing traffic counting system is around two decades old.

The existing system uses an inductive loop detection system of wire loops, which are embedded in road surfaces or placed into saw-cut roadway grooves covered with epoxy.

This system counts vehicles as they drive over the respective loops. The collected data is then stored on local servers at each bridge. Every day, traffic totals are then fed into a centralised database over land telephone lines.

The system’s counters, software and communication devices have come to the end of their useful life. Therefore, the commission intends to replace the old system with non-intrusive microwave radar technology along with new auxiliary equipment, servers and software.

The new system will enable the transmission of data through cell tower technology to the central database, increasing reliability and accuracy.

It will also enable easier maintenance, as the traffic radar devices will be installed onto the side of bridge approach roadways. The technology has proven to be reliable and is being utilised by several other transportation agencies in the US.