Osterholz-Scharmbeck: Smart traffic lights planned for smooth traffic!

Osterholz-Scharmbeck: Smart traffic lights planned for smooth traffic!

There is a lot of work being done to improve traffic flow in the Osterholz district. In order to finally put an end to the long waiting times at traffic lights, smart traffic light switching will be used in Osterholz-Scharmbeck in the future. Current challenges such as constant waiting times, even without oncoming traffic, are at the top of the agenda. The street, which includes four traffic light intersections and a traffic light for pedestrians over 850 meters, is to be given new impetus. Nils Gusky, the head of the environmental office, presented initial solutions to the planning committee that concern the automation and intelligent control of the traffic lights. The Weser Courier reports that Schwaneweder Straße was equipped with modern, intelligent traffic lights in spring 2024, which are based on the traffic lights on Beckstraße, Marktweide and Pumpelberg.

Schwaneweder Straße has been extensively renovated in recent years and the outdated induction loops were replaced by new camera technology. This modern technology not only records the number of road users, but also uses thermal imaging technology that works even in the dark. Current traffic light switching in the district still works according to fixed time programs, but that will change soon. The defective road contacts on support beams ensure that electrical signals are no longer sent out, which makes optimization urgently necessary. The advantages of the new camera technology lie in the simple installation and low maintenance costs, while induction loops are ultimately cheaper to purchase, but have to contend with high follow-up costs due to civil engineering work.

Artificial intelligence as a solution

The “KI4LSA” project, a joint project of the Fraunhofer Institute and various partners, aims to introduce intelligent traffic light switching using artificial intelligence. Fraunhofer explains that current traffic light control is often based on fixed rules that do not always fit the respective traffic situation. Future systems will use high-resolution camera and radar sensors to ensure more precise traffic detection. Using real-time sensors and machine learning, the developers not only want to reduce waiting times, but also improve traffic flow.

A success prediction is an improvement in traffic flow by 10 to 15 percent, which would have a positive impact on waiting times and therefore on the overall driving experience. In order to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, modern traffic light systems take their safety and comfortable crossing into account. This innovative concept could be implemented in the next few years, although coordination with the VBN special purpose association must also be urgently carried out in order to enable bus prioritization.

Long-term planning and challenges

The planned feasibility study for two of five targeted intersections will play a central role in the decision-making process. On this basis, it is also being examined whether Loger Street and the street “Hinter der Wurth” can possibly be converted into roundabouts. In order to advance the implementation of the new camera-based control, external funding is also required. If these do not occur, financing through fines could come into play from 2026 onwards.

A short-term optimization of the existing fixed time program for certain road sections is currently being considered. However, the situation at the traffic lights for pedestrians remains unchanged for the time being, as no adjustments are necessary here. Particular attention is also being paid to the new traffic light on Vorbrucher Straße in Neuenkirchen, which is responsible for the municipality. There, an acoustic signal at a traffic light for blind and visually impaired people was turned off due to complaints, which led to discussions about alternative solutions such as tactile guidelines or adapted plaster.

In summary, the district is facing an exciting challenge: the introduction of intelligent traffic lights could not only improve the traffic situation, but also make everyday commuter life significantly easier. The course for this has been set clearly and the hope for less waiting times and more safety for all road users is tangible.