KUTA

In an attempt to ease chronic congestion at the Dewa Ruci intersection on Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai on the edge of Kuta – known locally as Simpang Siur, or “Chaos Junction” – the authorities are planning to introduce a high-tech traffic-control system (ATCS).

ATCS relies on CCTV cameras to monitor traffic flow, and to allow staff at traffic control centres remotely to manage movement by changing traffic lights according to volume.

“ATCS already is in use in neighbouring countries in ASEAN and is considered effective in reducing traffic congestion,” said head of the Bali Department of Transport and Communications, Made Santha.

“If there is one lane that is crowded, while other lanes are flowing smoothly, then the crowded lane can be given traffic-light priority,” Santha said, adding that at present the traffic-light system at Dewa Ruci runs on a fixed timer system.

Santha said the ATCS would be in operation by October this year, and was intended as a temporary measure ahead of larger traffic-easing projects including the proposed underpass at the junction, which was likely to be completed by 2013.