New traffic sensors to save money, improve safety - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

New traffic sensors save money and improve safety

Intersections in Greenville get a facelift.

New white square-shaped boxes are going up at intersections like Arlington Boulevard and Evans Street. They are new traffic sensors, and they pick up more than just waiting cars.

"What is different these are so sensitive that they can detect pedestrians and bicyclist. So that's a big deal where we have a lot of bicyclist and pedestrians," said Richard Dicesare, a traffic engineer.

At most intersections, light signals are controlled by loop detectors in the ground.

Every time a road gets repaved, those loop detectors have to be replaced, and that can cost a pretty penny.

The city says these new sensors will save money in the long run.

There are 125 intersections the city of Greenville is responsible for keeping up.

So it will be a few years until every intersections gets the upgrade.