What Are Those Black Cables Across the Road?
As you navigate the highways and byways of your daily commute, you’ve likely encountered an intriguing sight: black cables stretched across the road. They seem to blend into the pavement, almost like stealthy sentinels. But what exactly are these unassuming tubes, and what role do they play in our transportation infrastructure? The answer lies in the realm of traffic management and data collection.
Traffic Counters: The Backbone of Road Data
These black cables are, in fact, portable traffic counters, strategically placed by transportation authorities for research purposes. Primarily used by local agencies, these tubes provide vital insights into road usage and traffic patterns. With over 12,000 of these counters scattered across the state, they play an integral role in planning and developing our road networks.
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