Traffic light upgrade moving forward in Vaasa – new technology already in use

There are 53 traffic light-controlled junctions or pedestrian crossings in Vaasa, four of which are owned by the state-owned Fintraffic Oy and the rest by the City of Vaasa. So far, traffic lights have already been upgraded in the city centre, Vöyrinkaupunki, Klemettilä and Huutoniemi.

Work began on the Kokkolantie–Sepänkyläntie–Vaasanpuistikko section, where 16 traffic light-controlled junctions have been upgraded over the past two years. Thanks to the upgrades, it is now often possible to drive through this street section without stopping, or with only a few stops, provided drivers maintain a steady and moderate speed.

A fully two-way green wave only works when the distance between junctions, the speed limit and the traffic light cycle times are all compatible. This is rare, however, as speed limits and junction placements are not determined through traffic light planning.

– For example, a two-way green wave would work better on Vaasanpuistikko if the speed limit were 30 km/h, explains Aripekka Pietiläinen, Electrical Engineer.

Control devices are upgraded first

The upgrade began with the installation of new control devices at junctions, as they have the most visible impact on traffic flow. A control device is a computer that regulates the operation of traffic lights according to real-time traffic conditions. Thanks to the new devices, the traffic lights respond better to traffic conditions than before.

– The next upgrades will be to the traffic light signals and the underground cabling. These are more expensive but less visible tasks, except when streets have to be opened for excavation work, Pietiläinen explains.

The upgrades are being carried out as part of the Vaasa Electrical Alliance until the end of 2025, and thereafter under a new service agreement. The project will continue for a few more years within the allocated budget. The total cost will be around €2 million, of which roughly a quarter has been spent so far.

New technology improves traffic flow

To support traffic light control, Vaasa has introduced a new remote control and monitoring system that oversees the operation of the traffic lights and collects traffic data. It can be used to quickly identify faults and to improve traffic flow.

In many places, the old sensors embedded in the asphalt have already been replaced with detectors mounted on traffic light poles. Detectors on the traffic light poles are not affected by asphalt wear or resurfacing, and a single detector can replace several old sensors. The new detectors can also detect pedestrians and cyclists, improving traffic light operation for all road users.

In addition to the priority already given to emergency vehicles, the traffic lights will also give priority to buses running behind schedule.