The City of Charleston has begun implementing advanced, AI-enabled traffic signal technology along Calhoun Street, a major corridor on the peninsula known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant program.
Residents and visitors can expect to see changes in traffic patterns as adaptive signal technology and camera-based detection systems are activated. The new system will adjust signal timing based on real-time data, such as vehicle volume, pedestrian crossings, and bicycle activity.
Mayor William Cogswell introduced the initiative at Marion Square alongside Deputy Assistant Secretary Lee White from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Councilmember Mike Seekings (District 8), and Dr. Cole of MUSC. They highlighted the partnership between federal agencies, local government, and healthcare institutions driving this effort.
Calhoun Street is an important east-west route that carries nearly 20,000 vehicles daily. It connects neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and major medical facilities like MUSC and the College of Charleston. Between 2013 and 2018, there were 754 crashes reported on this street—including 156 injury crashes and two fatalities—with 40 incidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists.
“These numbers are not just statistics — they represent lives disrupted and families impacted,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “The status quo is not acceptable. Through our partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, we are investing in smart, real-time technology that will improve mobility and make this critical corridor safer for everyone who depends on it.”
The adaptive system replaces fixed-timing signals with ones that respond dynamically to current conditions. As calibration continues, drivers may notice signals adjusting more efficiently to changing traffic flows.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Lee White noted that Charleston’s project aligns with the SMART Grant program’s focus on innovative transportation solutions to improve safety nationwide.
Charleston has a history of preserving its heritage while focusing on improving residents’ quality of life—demonstrated through sites like the Old Slave Mart Museum (official history page)—and works with regional partners to enhance living standards (official mission page). The city encompasses areas around Charleston Harbor within a larger metropolitan region (official website).
By combining federal investment with local leadership and partnerships in healthcare, Charleston aims to provide smarter infrastructure that improves safety for all who use Calhoun Street.
