Smart Intersection Test Facility Advances Transportation Safety

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 12, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has brought advanced transportation technology to East Market and Dudley streets in Greensboro with a new Smart Intersection Test Facility designed to improve safety and traffic operations.

N.C. A&T, in collaboration with the City of Greensboro and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, unveiled the facility Wednesday, March 11, at the university’s Harold L. Martin Engineering Research and Innovation Complex.

The outdoor test site is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced sensing technologies — including LiDAR, radar and dedicated short-range communication devices — that stream real-time data to connected vehicles, infrastructure systems and other road users. Developed in collaboration with industry partners Commsignia, Ouster, Smartmicro and BlueCity, the facility enables enhanced vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, traffic monitoring and safety analytics.

“Creating knowledge that impacts and improves society is what we are about. This Smart Intersection demonstrates how North Carolina A&T is turning research into real-world solutions that benefit our local communities, our region and the nation,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II.

The Smart Intersection operates as a living laboratory, allowing researchers and students to test emerging transportation technologies under real-world conditions. The facility supports interdisciplinary research in smart mobility systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and connected vehicle technologies while also helping to  train the next generation of transportation engineers and researchers.

During the unveiling, attendees observed live demonstrations showcasing the system’s ability to track vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in real time, detect approaching emergency vehicles to support signal preemption and enable cooperative perception technologies that help autonomous vehicles safely navigate complex intersections.

The facility is expected to support a wide range of practical applications, including traffic flow analysis, crash risk modeling, adaptive signal control and enhanced pedestrian safety monitoring — all critical components of modern transportation infrastructure planning.

“N.C. DOT is excited to partner with N.C. A&T and the City of Greensboro on this Smart Intersection Test Facility,” said state Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “This facility reinforces our shared commitment to safety, innovation and preparing North Carolina for a connected and automated transportation future.”

The project reflects ongoing collaboration among A&T researchers, state transportation leaders and local government officials to advance mobility solutions that strengthen regional economic development and improve quality of life for residents.

“The partnership between the City of Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University continues to demonstrate how collaboration between local government and higher education can drive innovation,” said Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter. “Initiatives like the Smart Intersection help us explore new technologies that improve transportation safety, efficiency and connectivity for our residents and visitors.”

Plans for the facility include expanded research partnerships and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies to improve incident response times and optimize traffic operations across the region.

The Smart Intersection Test Facility supports ongoing research initiatives led by the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities and the North Carolina Center for Autonomous Vehicles.

To see the Smart Intersection in action, go online to https://tinyurl.com/3kmsrvm6.