DOTD cameras help streamline traffic flow

Several busy intersections in Eunice were outfitted with traffic cameras late this past summer, and the devices are helping monitor traffic and allowing for remote adjustments to traffic signal operation.
“Video detection is installed at all signals in our district when new signals are installed or existing signals are being upgraded or replaced,” said Deidre Druilhet, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation’s Lafayette office. “The video detection allows the signals to be able to service the traffic demand at the intersection more efficiently by giving green signals for approach traffic only when vehicles are present and only for the amount of time needed to service those vehicles.”
Nine intersections were outfitted with traffic cameras, and the main purpose of the devices is to make timing adjustments in the event traffic is rerouted from Interstate 10 through Eunice via LA 13 or US 190.
Detection cameras that resemble long, white tubes were installed at each traffic light on U.S. Highway 190 in the Eunice city limits as well as the Maple Avenue at LSUE Drive intersection and the Maple Avenue at La. Hwy. 13 intersection. These devices are used to detect the presence of vehicles, and the signal controller uses this information to alter its timing according to programmed parameters depending on traffic demand.
The second type of camera is a Pan Tilt Zoom or PTZ device which allows for remote observation of traffic at each intersection. Programming for each set of intersection lights is arranged by information gathered by the cameras. All of the aforementioned traffic lights are outfitted with this device, except for the light at Maple Avenue and LSUE Drive. There are currently no plans to install a PTZ camera at the intersection.
“The PTZ cameras aid our traffic engineers by allowing them to observe real time traffic flow from their office in lieu of having to travel to the site,” said DOTD Public Information officer Dustin Annison. “The department’s traffic engineers also have the capability to make programming changes from their office remotely.”
According to DOTD, the U.S. 190 at La. Hwy. 13 intersection is the busiest intersection in town, and traffic there is at its heavy from 7:30-8:15 a.m. and 4:30-5:15 p.m. on weekdays. 
“From 4:55-5:05 p.m. traffic does get heavier, but traffic still flows well,” Druilhet added.
Since the installation of the PTZ cameras, timing adjustments were made remotely through the signal controllers at U.S. 190 and its intersections with La. Hwy. 13, Second Street, Third Street, Eighth Street and Twelfth Street. Programs were changed for specific times of day -- the morning and afternoon peak periods -- based on information from the PTZ cameras.
“Public feedback led to the adjustment of the detection camera zones on Eighth Street recently to better detect vehicles,” Druilhet said. “The Department also received compliments for the pedestrian heads and pushbuttons at U.S. 190 and Second Street, which worked well for the Downtown Trick or Treating in Eunice a few weeks ago.” 
All of the PTZ cameras in Eunice are part of a group of 25 signals that were installed in the Lafayette DOTD district, which includes Evangeline, St. Landry, Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, Iberia, Vermillion and St. Mary parishes. The U.S. 190 and La. Hwy. 103 intersection in Port Barre and the U.S. 190 at Wallior Street intersection in Opelousas are two other busy St. Landry Parish intersections that utilize both the PTZ and detection cameras.