Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hasselt uses AI to improve traffic at Kempische Steenweg. Results are expected by June 2025. Issues with Slachthuiskaai traffic lights cause congestion. Alderman Kevin Schouterden oversees the project.
The city of Hasselt is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze existing data on the Kempische Steenweg intersection with Vildersstraat and Havenstraat. Officials mentioned that this initiative aims to enhance traffic safety by leveraging all available government data, including information from the city administration and police records.
Alderman for Mobility, Kevin Schouterden (Vooruit), explained that the AI module will process this data to identify risks and suggest improvements. He added that through traffic volume analysis, crash reports, and other variables, the AI platform will create findings to identify whether modifications in the intersection are required. The city hopes this approach will allow for more data-driven decision-making when it comes to road safety and urban planning.
How is Hasselt using AI to improve traffic safety?
According to officials, the city of Hasselt chose this intersection because it has a lot of accidents. It’s also important because it leads to Elfde Liniestraat, where construction is happening. The city wants to make sure the intersection is safe and works well for everyone.
They are using AI to look at data and figure out what needs to change. Officials mentioned that this could mean changing traffic lights, road markings, or how the intersection is set up. Hasselt wants to use AI to make the roads safer and easier to use for everyone, including walkers, bikers, and drivers.
The data that is brought together in the module is a combination of all available data at the government, such as the city and the police,
explains Kevin Schouterden (Vooruit).
The city of Hasselt will start using AI this month March 2025 and results are expected by June 2025. Hasselt isn’t the only city doing this. Rome is also trying a similar project as part of a European program called EIT Urban Mobility. Officials mentioned that more cities in Europe are using AI and technology to fix traffic problems.
There are problems with the traffic lights at 2 intersections on Slachthuiskaai in Hasselt. Officials mentioned that the cameras that are supposed to see cyclists and change the lights are not working right. They are seeing cyclists too soon, the lights turn green for cyclists before cars are ready. This is causing a lot of traffic, even reaching the centre of Kuringen. They mentioned that to fix it, new cameras are being ordered and will be installed soon.
The traffic lights are flashing orange, and Officials telling drivers to be careful. There was also a problem with the cameras not seeing cyclists in bad weather, but that is being fixed too. New smart traffic lights were also put in at the fire station. They are supposed to turn all lights red when fire trucks leave. But right now, firefighters still have to control them manually to make sure the fire trucks have a clear path.
