The city of Richardson is preparing to expand an artificial intelligence traffic management system developed with researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas, following a successful pilot program.

The program, called Distributed Agent-based traffic Lights, or DALI, was tested at 15 intersections and the city is planning to implement the program at 50 Richardson intersections, according to a news release issued by the city.

In a nutshell

DALI monitors real-time activity at intersections and communications data across a citywide network. During the pilot program, traffic delays were reduced by up to 40% at timed intersections and up to 30% at coordinated intersections.

“The benefits we’ve seen from the integration of this software are next-level for our transportation system, and we are witnessing the future of traffic management here in Richardson,” Richardson City Manager Don Magner said in the release. “We are excited about continuing this partnership with UT Dallas’ Smart Cities Research Lab and seeing the extent of its benefits to congestion and safety.”


What else?

In addition to traffic signal control, DALI offers a mobile app that can provide real-time traffic insights and safety alerts to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The app provides information such as signal timing, recommended crossing speeds and more.

Looking ahead


A timeline for the next phase is dependent on funding, per the release. The previous phase was funded through grants awarded by the North Texas Central Texas Council of Governments.