BUSAN — Busan is shifting to a real-time traffic system in which roads respond on their own to traffic volume, weather and accidents. Rather than running signals on fixed cycles, the city will analyze traffic data to adjust signal timing and tie flood risks and the movement of hazardous material trucks into its traffic management network. The approach applies data and artificial intelligence to the city's chronic flooding and road safety problems, going beyond easing congestion.
The Busan Metropolitan Government said on the 23rd that it has completed a 2.9 billion won ($2.1 million) project to build a real-time intersection information service and will expand its intelligent transport system (ITS) starting this month. The project focuses on collecting and analyzing traffic conditions in real time and linking signal data with information on vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
The biggest change is making signal optimization routine. Smart intersections collect traffic volume by direction, which is then combined with National Police Agency signal data to calculate optimal signal timing and apply it in real time. In pilot operations, intersection delays fell 10.1% and average speeds rose 2.25 kilometers per hour. Because signals are retimed during each peak period, the effect on congestion is more direct than with existing fixed-cycle signals. A city official said the system is also expected to cut unnecessary signal time at eight major intersections newly added to the network.
Flood response is another key pillar, given Busan's complex road conditions. The city will introduce video-based flood detection algorithms at 11 major flood-prone intersections, including the Suyeong intersection. When flooding is detected, the data will be used for traffic control and detour guidance, moving away from closing roads only after heavy rain has already hit.
Information delivered to drivers will also become more detailed. At 25 intersections along Yeonsu-ro, Suyeong-ro and Chungnyeol-daero, drivers can check the status of upcoming signals and the time remaining through KakaoNavi, Naver Map and TMAP, as well as connected cars from Hyundai Motor and Kia. Signal data is shared with private navigation services and passed directly to drivers rather than held solely by the government.
Trucks carrying hazardous materials to and from Busan Port will also be brought into the traffic data network. The city will receive operating and accident information in real time from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority to analyze vehicle traffic patterns and immediately notify relevant agencies when an incident occurs. The system covers vehicles carrying more than 10,000 liters of hazardous materials, more than 10 tons of waste or more than 5 tons of hazardous chemicals.
Smart adaptive signals will be expanded to two intersections in Yeongdo District. The system reduces unnecessary signal time on secondary roads to extend green lights on main roads. In pilot operations, it cut delays by 36% and travel time by 12%, while signal violations dropped 27%.
The city plans to provide real-time traffic conditions through its traffic information service center and a mobile app, and to further develop advanced traffic services suited to local conditions.
Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said the city will continue to upgrade traffic service models that reflect Busan's conditions and characteristics to create a safe traffic environment that residents can feel. "We will continue to actively adopt advanced smart technologies to respond preemptively to future changes in transportation," he said.
