Spruce Grove considers expansion of AI traffic signal optimization

SPRUCE GROVE ---- Spruce Grove council is considering new adaptive traffic signal optimization along Highway 16-A and Jennifer Heil way.

Signal optimization is the practice of adjusting how signals operate so that traffic moves more efficiently and safely along intersections and through corridors. The goal of signal optimization is to reduce delay, improve green progression, and make better use of existing infrastructure. Spruce Grove staff is recommending the expansion of the AI-based traffic signal optimization beyond the existing pilot program.

"What NoTraffic introduces is a newer approach to AI optimization by using AI detection that continuously identifies and tracks vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists across the entire intersection and coordinates between intersections to make adjustments and decisions in real time," said Ben Macpherson, Senior Municipal Infrastructure Engineer.

The 2025 NoTraffic pilot was conducted along Jennifer Heil Way at the intersections of Grove Drive and Hawthorne Gate to evaluate detection accuracy and data quality, although it wasn't a full signal optimization pilot. With the incorporation of AI in the system, corridor delays would be cut by 15 per cent or more, and pedestrian delays would be reduced through adaptive detection.

"Overall, the data shows a strong potential for AI-driven timing to improve both efficiency and safety using the infrastructure we already have, " said Ben Macpherson, Senior Municipal infrastructure Engineer.