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Kingston has initiated a traffic study to gather essential data on vehicle counts, speeds, and travel patterns. Drivers in the area may notice black boxes mounted on poles throughout the city. These devices are part of a temporary project conducted by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to enhance city planning and engineering.
The primary goal of the study is to collect accurate traffic data that will help city planners and engineers understand how to improve traffic flow and infrastructure. According to the New York State DOT, the data collected will include Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and other traffic statistics, which are crucial for making informed decisions about road improvements and traffic management. The DOT maintains this data through its Traffic Data Viewer, an interactive map that provides access to traffic data information.
Officials have assured residents that the devices do not record audio or video, focusing solely on collecting traffic-related data. The data collection period is set to conclude by the end of this week, after which the devices will be removed. The information gathered will contribute to the ongoing efforts to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety in Kingston.