At South Road Properties: AI-powered traffic lights

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government formally introduce to the public last night traffic lights equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), along a portion of Cebu South Coast Road (CSCR) at the South Road Properties.

As reported by the Cebu City Public Information Office, the formal opening of this feature was at an access road from El Pardo to Vestil St. near the bridge to Mambaling.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia and other city officials formally opened the intersection’s facility with venture partner Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI).

Cebu City and FLI are joint venture (JV) partners in the City di Mare urban development at the mid-southern section of the SRP.

Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Assistant Head Kent Jongoy said that the project is meant provide motorists convenience, especially those from the south who need not go around the CSCR north-end U-turn slot.

He said the upgrade is part of a “broader initiative” to enhance the city’s infrastructure and accessibility, particularly along the Cebu City section of the CSCR.

The Cebu City PIO also said that the AI-assisted traffic lights at the El Pardo junction will utilize radar-based sensors for adaptive traffic management.

Jongoy said this is considered “an advanced system that responds dynamically to vehicle queues at stoplights, ensuring a more consistent and efficient flow of traffic while minimizing human error.”

“AI eliminates human error. Its ability to assess real-time traffic conditions ensures that it always responds appropriately to the needs of the intersection,” Jongoy said.

Furthermore, motorists heading towards the CCTO headquarters, the Cebu City motor pool, Department of General Services stockyard, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the University of the Philippines, as well as City di Mare resients are now aided by the AI-run traffic lights.

Previously, preventively suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama welcomed the proposal of adopting AI in its traffic system, as the city bids to become a smart city.

Meanwhile, among the government’s thrust to mitigate traffic congestion, the CCTO also officially revealed the the bypass road that connects F. Vestil St. near the Mambaling bridge to El Pardo Road at the SRP.

According to a report by the Cebu City Public Information Office, the bypass road will reduce the traffic volume at peak hours at the CSCR junction with Vestil St. near SM Seaside City Cebu.

This is because those coming from the south also now have the option to pass through the steel bridge behind the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel to Cabreros St.

Jongoy said the road will serve as a convenient option for motorists traveling between Talisay City and Cebu City, as well as those heading to uptown Cebu City and various southern and northern parts of the city.— /RHM (FREEMAN)