As you drive along city streets or highways, you may notice black cables stretched across the road. These are portable traffic counters, crucial tools for transportation authorities to collect data for better road management. Local and state agencies use them to gain insights into traffic patterns, vehicle volume, and road usage, aiding in transportation planning.

The mechanism is simple but effective: when a vehicle’s tires pass over a tube, it compresses the air inside, sending an electrical signal to a counter device. This records the number of vehicles and their time intervals, providing valuable data on traffic flow. When placed in pairs, the tubes can also assess vehicle class, speed, and direction.

This data informs decisions on speed limits, road signs, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring safer, more efficient roadways. Next time you spot these tubes, remember their vital role in shaping smarter transportation systems.