Texas Department of Transportation’s Protecting Nighttime Pedestrians with LiDAR project improved pedestrian safety by deploying a light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-powered system that uses real-time tracking to activate supplemental crosswalk lighting, advance warning beacons, and extended signal clearance times at signalized intersections.

TxDOT focused on high-risk locations such as San Marcos, where late-night pedestrian volumes can exceed 4,000 people per hour and vehicle speeds remain high. With 70% of pedestrian fatalities occurring at night and 17% taking place at intersections, traditional countermeasures such as continuous lighting and basic sensors often proved ineffective due to driver desensitization and false alarms.

The LiDAR-based system responds dynamically to actual roadway conditions and pedestrian activity, improving driver awareness and reducing vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. With greater than 99% detection accuracy, the technology has successfully calmed traffic and enhanced safety for pedestrians while maintaining efficient traffic operations.

The $100,000 project also supports local businesses by providing safer access for late-night customers. Requiring minimal infrastructure modifications and capable of being installed in less than two hours, the system saves more than $20,000 per intersection compared to traditional approaches. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the project was recognized as a winner of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intersection Safety Challenge and offers a scalable, cost-effective model for improving pedestrian safety nationwide.