How smart loading zones can improve traffic

Competition for city curbsides is rising as demand increases for ride-hailing services and e-commerce delivery. Increased use of this space can lead to more traffic congestion. A recent study by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University demonstrates how smart loading zones (SLZs) may help solve this problem and improve traffic speed on some streets.

SLZs are designated loading and unloading spaces with advanced sensors and cameras that actively monitor curbside usage. The data provided by these sensors can enable policymakers to create informed pricing and enforcement policies to optimize the use of curb spaces.

“The data that smart loading zones provide is invaluable for optimizing the use of city curb spaces,” said Sean Qian, professor of civil and environmental engineering. “This technology allows us to track and quantify how, when and where curb spaces are used.”

To use SLZs, users simply need to register their vehicle and pay through a nearby QR code. Payment is typically measured in minutes to boost turnover rate. CMU researchers found that by strategically placing SLZs throughout Pittsburgh, they can increase traffic speed by up to 4.5% in select areas. 

SLZs significantly increase traffic speed in certain locations by considering factors such as zone length and how many lanes are on the road

Sean Qian, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

“We have been able to conclude that SLZs significantly increase traffic speed in certain locations by carefully considering factors such as the length of smart loading zones and how many lanes are on the road,” explained Qian. 

In 2022, Automotus placed 20 SLZs throughout downtown, Lawrenceville, Oakland, South Side Flats, and Bloomfield through a grant from the Department of Energy. Thirteen of them are located downtown. With the data from this pilot, CMU researchers found that SLZs with lengths less than or equal to 30 feet have the best results and are able to significantly increase traffic speed. Longer SLZs typically see a high volume of activity, which may ultimately nullify any gained efficiency and slow the rate of nearby traffic. Roads with one lane going in each direction experience a significant reduction in traffic congestion while those with two do not.

SLZs have been adopted by other local governments, including those in Santa Monica and Philadelphia. Traffic could be reduced nationally if SLZs are widely adopted and optimized. This research is a continuation of Qian’s work, which studies the increasing importance of curbs in city infrastructure.