By: Undefined
Knoxville News Sentinel

Knoxville, TN - Alcoa was named a Smart City today by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America following the city’s demonstration of a newly deployed real-time traffic management system designed to reduce intersection wait times, emissions, prevent collisions, and save taxpayers time and money.

The new technology is located at the corner of Lincoln Road and Hall Road.

“Alcoa is a great example of a city that is leading the way in deploying smart, cost-effective technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system,” said Scott F. Belcher, president and CEO of Intelligent Transportation Society.

Belcher presented Mayor Donald R. Mull with the Smart City award to recognize Alcoa as “an early adopter of Intelligent Transportation Systems and technology solutions to the challenges facing our transportation system.”

“This is an exciting new technology that will pay dividends long into the future. We are pleased to play a small part in its implementation and are proud to help support the process of bringing an Oak Ridge technology to market,” Mull said.

The new GridSmart traffic management system, developed by Oak Ridge-based Aldis Inc. provides real-time intersection monitoring and management capability that is critical for improving the timing and efficiency of traffic signals, detecting potential red light runners and holding signals on red to prevent an accident, and eliminating the cost and inconvenience of tearing up pavement to replace broken intersection loop detectors.

“Aldis was founded to deliver smart traffic management solutions to communities of all sizes and we are thrilled to be part of a community of progressive thought leaders in Alcoa. We are excited to continue to deliver solutions such as real-time traffic data to Alcoa so they can continue to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact,” said Bill Malkes, Aldis chief operating officer and chief financial officer.