The Traffic Division’s mission is to provide safe and efficient traffic operations, and one of the ways they are working towards that goal is by innovation and technology. Here are some examples of the use of technology and innovation in the city.

School Zone Flashers – Besides slowing down when you come up to a flashing school zone speed limit sign, you probably don’t think much about it. You may not know that all of Lenexa’s school zone flashers are controlled by a system that enables the traffic division to turn them on or off on a moments notice. This is a benefit for the safety of the students, as well as an advantage for the traffic division. For example, if school is let out early for one reason or another, that school’s flasher can be turned on to alert traffic to slow down because there are students in the area. In the past, one or two workers would have to come out and manually adjust the flasher if they were available. Now it is, for the most part, as easy as flipping a switch. LED Traffic Lights – You may ask yourself, “What is an LED light and why is Lenexa using them?” LED is an acronym for light-emitting diode. Most of Lenexa’s traffic signal lights have been replaced with LED lights, which used to use incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. One major advantage of using LED lights is that they use significantly less energy than the bulbs and are easier for motorists to see them, especially in direct sunlight. Replacement for these lights can be measured in years rather than months, which is a great time saver considering there are approximately 65 traffic signals to monitor throughout the city.

Intersection Cameras – There are several cameras strategically placed throughout the city at various intersections. These cameras allow for close monitoring of traffic flows. If there is a call about a backup or congestion, the intersection can be viewed via camera, rather than sending out a crew to assess the situation. Then, if an issue is identified, it can be corrected remotely. Another benefit of the cameras is that the activity at an intersection can be video taped and reviewed to see if there are adjustments or improvements that could be made to the signal.

Traffic Adaptive Signal System – This is an innovative technology Lenexa is using on College Boulevard between Lackman and Greenwood to optimize traffic flow. The system enables the traffic signals to communicate and coordinate through video detection in real-time in order to best control traffic flow.

Lenexa is a part of this cooperative bi-state effort coordinated by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to improve the coordination of traffic signals on major routes throughout the Kansas City area. This will improve the flow of traffic throughout major arterials in Lenexa and reduce the amount of “stop delay” at intersections. Operation Green Light will help reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, the Kansas City area’s main air pollutant.

Illuminated and Advance Street Name Signs – The traffic division has installed illuminated and advance street name signs along major corridors within the city. These types of signs allow drivers to see which street is ahead at a farther distance than a sign that is not illuminated, or at the corner of the street. This helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and concentrating more on traffic.

For more information on traffic related issues, visit the FAQ section of the Public Works website or contact Public Works at (913) 477-7680 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For after-hours emergencies contact the Lenexa Police Dispatcher at (913) 888-0660.