Smart traffic tech slashes wait times in Tees Valley

A digital traffic management project is helping drivers spend less time stuck in congestion across some of Tees Valley’s busiest roads.

The Tees Valley FUSION project has reduced waiting times by up to 50 per cent at key congestion hotspots using predictive traffic signal technology.

Backed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the system operates across 57 coordinated sites and 196 traffic signals throughout the region.

Using real-time data, the technology automatically adjusts traffic lights to changing road conditions to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.

Over a 12-month period, the scheme saved motorists around 5000 travel hours across six monitored sites, equivalent to more than six months of reduced waiting time.

The biggest savings were recorded at the A174 Parkway Junction and Thornaby Road, where almost 2800 travel hours were cut.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “By using new technology to tackle congestion head-on, we’re cutting journey times, easing frustration for drivers and helping people get where they need to be quicker.

“These are real, measurable results – the equivalent of more than six months of waiting time wiped away. 

“It shows how we’re using innovation to build a transport network that works better for motorists across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Councillor Steve Harker, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, and leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “These results show how we are already harnessing technology to improve our road network. 

“By working closely with our local authority partners we’re making better use of the infrastructure we already have – and adding to it to help us keep traffic moving more efficiently to deliver benefits to everyone on our roads across the Tees Valley.”

The Combined Authority has invested more than £2 million into the FUSION project and the wider Tees Valley Digital Twin programme, which aims to improve transport efficiency using digital technology.

The full report on the project can be read here.

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