The state capital of Wiesbaden is growing steadily, and as it grows, so do the challenges facing inner-city traffic. For a long time, Wiesbaden regularly had problems with increased nitrogen oxide levels, which impaired the quality of life of residents and even led to the threat of diesel driving bans. To overcome these challenges, the DIGI-V project was created as part of the Green City Master Plan "WI-Connect". This forward-looking project is being financed in equal parts by the city of Wiesbaden and the federal government with a total of around 33 million euros.

Implementation of the project has been in full swing since mid-2018. The core of DIGI-V consists of the digitalization and intelligent networking of all traffic lights in Wiesbaden's main road network. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and camera technology - including thermal imaging and infrared cameras - the traffic lights constantly collect traffic data such as the number of vehicles, vehicle type and travel times as well as important environmental data such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and weather values. Data protection is of course guaranteed: Neither faces nor vehicle license plates are stored or evaluated.

All collected data is collected centrally and analyzed in real time. This allows the traffic lights to be flexibly adapted to the current traffic situation. So-called "gatekeeper traffic lights" at strategic access points to the city center are a particularly effective means of doing this. They ensure that the flow of traffic is regulated in a targeted manner, significantly reducing congestion and traffic jams.

Another important aspect of DIGI-V is the targeted promotion of environmentally friendly means of transportation. Pedestrians and cyclists benefit from new, barrier-free crossings, additional cycle paths and special environmental lanes. Dedicated signals have been set up for local public transport so that buses can get through the city center faster and more reliably, providing a real alternative to private cars.

Digital traffic signs complement the innovative system and inform drivers in real time about current traffic conditions, alternative routes and possible detours. The aim is to reduce unnecessary journeys in congested areas and actively support road users in choosing the fastest and most environmentally friendly route.

DIGI-V is also making Wiesbaden fit for future technological innovations. In future, special road-side units will allow emergency vehicles to communicate directly with traffic lights. In emergencies, the fire and rescue services could thus automatically receive the green light, saving valuable minutes and potentially saving lives.

Although the technical implementation of the project is already largely complete, the most exciting phase is only just beginning. The system learns day by day from the collected data and continuously optimizes its control options. The result is a traffic control system that will never be finished, but will constantly improve and be able to respond ever more precisely to the city's needs.

With DIGI-V, Wiesbaden is taking on a real pioneering role. Wiesbaden is the first city in Germany to digitize its traffic infrastructure so extensively. This model project impressively demonstrates that intelligent traffic management not only reduces congestion, but also protects the environment and significantly improves the quality of life for all residents.