Transforming Edmonton’s transportation through smarter and safer mobility

Photo: Supplied

Tae J. Kwon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, together with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, has secured $2.2 million in matched research funding over the next three years to support transformative projects that aim to enhance urban mobility and infrastructure management in Edmonton. These initiatives will support transportation accessibility and safety through the application of advanced, data-driven methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Visualization and Interactive System for Traffic Analytics is an interactive GIS-based platform developed in collaboration with Karim El-Basyouny (Civil and Environmental Engineering) and Emily A. Grisé (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), with Sheika Henry (Renewable Resources) as a collaborator. The platform leverages cutting-edge geospatial modelling and multimodal AI techniques, integrating diverse data sources including satellite imagery, aerial images, land-use characteristics and socioeconomic factors to significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of traffic-volume estimations. The system also optimizes traffic-monitoring infrastructure placement, providing real-time analytics with quantified uncertainty to enhance informed decision-making. These advancements directly address challenges such as congestion, traffic safety, efficient resource allocation and informed economic planning.

The Cold Road Intelligence and Management System, a comprehensive decision-support platform created in partnership with Karim El-Basyouny, Stephen Wong and Leila Hashemian (Civil and Environmental Engineering),  utilizes advanced cloud computing to facilitate real-time AI-based analytics, integrating multimodal data analytics, intelligent sensor network optimization, climate-resilient pavement strategies and inclusive accessibility metrics. It will deliver predictive insights and continuous monitoring of hazardous winter road conditions, optimize the deployment of intelligent transportation systems infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency, safety and mobility during challenging winter conditions.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with practical solutions, Kwon and his team can address Edmonton’s transportation challenges, positioning the city as a national leader in responsive, resilient and safer urban transportation networks.