AI Hits the Streets of Busan... City Launches Smart Traffic System

Mayor Park Hyungjoon: "Actively Responding to Changes in the Future Traffic Environment"

On March 24, the city of Busan announced that it will officially launch its 'Advanced Intelligent Traffic Signal System' project, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and traffic data.

Busan is currently implementing the 'Smart Village Distribution and Expansion Project' (KRW 2.92 billion) and is preparing to issue a bid for the 'AI-Based Traffic Management System Construction' project by securing an additional KRW 4.5 billion in national funding. The city will also gradually introduce new services such as expanding smart intersection infrastructure and supporting safe operation for smart cargo trucks.

Currently, smart intersection systems have been installed at 223 intersections, enabling real-time analysis of traffic volumes, speeds, and unexpected situations. The new project plans to install systems at an additional 20 major intersections, strengthening the data-driven traffic management system.

AI-based traffic data will be applied to real-time signal control systems and smart actuated signals. Pilot operations have shown that average travel speed increased by about 2.25 km/h, and intersection delay time decreased by more than 10%. Based on these results, the city plans to expand the system to the Sinho Bridge area and the section of Mandeok-daero (from Deokcheon Station to Namsanjeong Station).

Overview Diagram of Real-Time Signal Control System.

The city will also expand the public availability of real-time signal information. Currently, intersection signal status and remaining time are provided through mobile apps such as Kakao Navi, Naver Map, Tmap, and Hyundai and Kia vehicle navigation systems, which help reduce sudden stops and tailgating, thereby supporting safer driving.

In the future, a flood detection alert system will be introduced at 11 intersections that are prone to flooding, providing advance information on detour routes and road closures. Priority signals for emergency vehicles will be expanded throughout Busan by 2027, and will also be applied to emergency vehicles entering from Gyeongnam and Ulsan. Surrounding vehicles will be notified of approaching emergency vehicles via mobile navigation systems.

Starting in 2027, the city will also introduce the 'Smart Cargo Vehicle Safe Operation Support Service,' which will analyze cargo truck operation patterns and provide optimized signals by linking cargo vehicle operation information.

The city expects that, once the project is completed, it will lead to noticeable changes in the traffic environment, such as improved traffic flow, reduced signal waiting times, and enhanced traffic safety for citizens.

Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "The construction of an AI-based traffic management system will be a turning point for Busan's transportation system," adding, "We will continue to expand these efforts to increase citizen safety and travel convenience."

Smart Intersection Traffic Management System.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.