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JODHPUR INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

EXPLORATORY PROJECT REPORT OF

INNOVATION/IDEA LAB

TRAFFIC LIGHT
Branch: CIVIL 1ST YEAR 2024-25

NAME OF TEAM MEMBER: - SUMBITTED TO: -

1. RAMESH SENWAR INNOVATION LAB:
2. VIRENDRA CHOUDHARY
3.VAIBHAV CHOUDHARY
4. YASH SOLANKI Dean:
5. UPARJAN SINGH CHARAN Dr. Sanjay Gaur

Mentor: Sumit Chouhan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS –

1. Introduction
2. Cost Estimation
3. Project required
4. Working
5. Circuit Diagram
6. Code
7. Construction
8. Result and Analysis
9. Applications and Future Scope
 INTRODUCTION-
Traffic congestion and road safety have become pressing issues in modern urban environments,
driven by increasing populations, rising vehicle ownership, and expanding cities. One of the most
critical components in ensuring orderly traffic flow and minimizing accidents at intersections is the
traffic light system. Traditionally, these systems have relied on complex, proprietary hardware and
expensive infrastructure. However, with the emergence of microcontroller platforms like Arduino, it
has become significantly easier and more affordable to design, prototype, and implement
intelligent traffic light systems for educational, experimental, and even practical applications.

The Arduino platform is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on easy-to-use

hardware and software. It allows enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike to build interactive
electronic projects with minimal technical background. Thanks to its flexibility and vast online
community, Arduino has become a cornerstone for DIY projects and rapid prototyping in
electronics and automation.

In the context of traffic management, using an Arduino to simulate or control a traffic light system
presents a powerful learning opportunity. It helps individuals understand the principles behind
traffic light sequencing, timing logic, pedestrian control systems, and sensor integration. With just
a few components—such as LEDs, resistors, and optionally push buttons or sensors—a working
model of a traffic light can be constructed and programmed using Arduino's simple yet powerful
programming environment.

Moreover, such projects serve as a foundation for more advanced implementations. For instance,
sensors can be added to detect vehicles and dynamically adjust light timing based on real-time
traffic conditions. Communication modules can be used for syncing lights across multiple
intersections. These developments mirror real-world implementations of smart traffic systems,
which aim to optimize traffic flow using data and automation.

In conclusion, building a traffic light system using Arduino is not only a compelling educational
project but also an entry point into the broader world of embedded systems, automation, and
smart city technologies. It combines concepts from electronics, programming, systems design,
and even urban planning, making it a multidisciplinary and highly relevant project in today’s
technologically driven world. -

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Cost Estimate

Component Online Price ( ) Offline Price ( )

Arduino Uno R3 427 – 2,099 500 – 700
Red LED (10 pcs) 13 50 – 100
Yellow LED 1 5 – 15
Green LED 1.18 5 – 15
220 Ohm Resistor 9 10 – 20
Breadboard 39 50 – 100
Jumper Wires 189 100 – 200
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Project Requirements :

Arduino is an open-source electronics

platform based on easy-to-use hardware
and software. It consists of a
microcontroller board (like Arduino Uno)
and the Arduino IDE (software to write and
upload code).

LED stands for Light Emitting

Diode. It is a semiconductor
device that emits light when
current flows through it. LEDs
are highly efficient, durable,
and commonly used in various
electronic applications.
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A resistor is an electronic component

that resists the flow of electric current
in a circuit. It is used to control the
current or voltage in an electrical
circuit, preventing components from
being damaged by excessive current.

Jumper wires are flexible electrical wires used to

make temporary connections between different
points on a breadboard or circuit board. They
allow for easy prototyping and modification of
electrical circuits, especially in projects using
microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or in
electronics experiments.
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Working :
Working of Traffic Light System Using Arduino
The traffic light control system using Arduino is a simple yet effective simulation of how real-world traffic lights operate. It uses an
Arduino microcontroller to manage the switching of red, yellow, and green LEDs to represent the three standard traffic light signals.
The operation is based on timed intervals that mimic real traffic control sequences.

Basic Operation Cycle

The system operates on a looped cycle. The red light turns on first, indicating that vehicles must stop. After a set duration (e.g., 15
seconds), the red LED turns off and the yellow LED lights up for a short duration (e.g., 1 second), signaling drivers to prepare to move
or stop. Then, the green LED turns on, indicating that vehicles are allowed to go. After the green light stays on for a set time (e.g., 20
seconds), it turns off, and the yellow light comes on again before the red light is reactivated, completing one full cycle. This sequence
is continuously repeated.

This logic is implemented using Arduino’s digital output pins to turn each LED on or off. The delay() function in Arduino is used to
create the timed intervals between the state changes.

Circuit Connection
The hardware setup includes three LEDs (red, yellow, and green) each connected in series with a current-limiting resistor (typically
220Ω) to prevent damage from excessive current. These LED-resistor pairs are then connected to three digital output pins of the
Arduino (for example, pins 7, 8, and 9). All ground terminals from the components are connected back to the GND pin on the Arduino,
completing the circuit.

When the Arduino is powered (either via USB or a battery pack), the microcontroller begins executing the uploaded code. The LEDs
turn on and off according to the programmed time intervals, simulating a working traffic signal.

‍ Code Logic
The Arduino sketch (program) consists of a setup() function and a loop() function:

setup() is run once when the Arduino is powered on. It sets the LED pins as outputs using pinMode().

loop() runs continuously. It contains the logic for turning the LEDs on and off in a specific sequence using digitalWrite(), with delay()
functions in between to maintain the light states for specific durations.

For example:

Copy
Edit
digital Write(red, HIGH); // Red ON
delay(15000); // Wait 15 sec
digital Write(red, LOW); // Red OFF
digital Write(yellow, HIGH); // Yellow ON
delay(1000); // Wait 1 sec
Practical Implications
This simple traffic light model teaches beginners about digital electronics, logic control, and embedded programming. It also lays the
foundation for more advanced applications like adaptive traffic systems, which use sensors and real-time data to control lights
dynamically.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Arduino-based traffic light project is an excellent way to understand microcontroller-based automation. It illustrates
how real-world traffic signals work, using basic components and simple logic. The project can be extended further with features such
as pedestrian signals, buzzer alerts, countdown timers, and even real-time traffic sensing using IR or ultrasonic sensors. It’s an ideal
starting point for students and hobbyists interested in IoT, smart city projects, or automation systems.
CODE
// Pin assignments for LEDs
int red Led = 9;
int yellow Led = 8;
int green Led = 7;

void setup() {
// Set LED pins as OUTPUT
pin Mode(redLed, OUTPUT);
pin Mode(yellowLed, OUTPUT);
pin Mode(greenLed, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
// Step 1: Turn on Red LED
digital Write(redLed, HIGH); // RED ON
digital Write(yellowLed, LOW); // YELLOW OFF
digital Write(greenLed, LOW); // GREEN OFF
delay(15000); // Wait for 15 seconds

// Step 2: Switch to Yellow after Red

digital Write(redLed, LOW); // RED OFF
digital Write(yellowLed, HIGH); // YELLOW ON
delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds

// Step 3: Turn on Green LED

digital Write(yellowLed, LOW); // YELLOW OFF
digital Write(greenLed, HIGH); // GREEN ON
delay(20000); // Wait for 20 seconds

// Step 4: Yellow light before Red again

digital Write(greenLed, LOW); // GREEN OFF
digital Write(yellowLed, HIGH); // YELLOW ON
delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds

// Step 5: Return to Red LED (loop repeats)

digital Write(yellowLed, LOW); // YELLOW OFF
}
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Circuit Diagram:
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Project Photographs :
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Result and Analysis:

After successfully building and programming the traffic light system, the following results are observed:

LEDs respond correctly to programmed signals:

Red LED lights up for 15 seconds (vehicles stop).

Yellow LED lights up for 1 second (caution/wait).

Green LED lights up for 20 seconds (vehicles go).

The sequence repeats continuously, simulating a real traffic signal cycle.

The timing can be customized in the code to simulate different traffic situations (e.g., peak hours, short intersections).

Optional features like a pedestrian button or buzzer can enhance the realism and functionality.

ANALYSIS
Parameter Observation Notes
Accuracy Very precise signal timing using Arduino's delay() Can be further improved with timers or RTC
Simplicity Easy to build using basic components Great for beginners in embedded systems
Cost-effectiveness Low-cost project (under 700 if using clones) Easily scalable for educational projects
Scalability Supports more LEDs, buttons, or sensors Can be expanded to a full junction controller
Realism Mimics real traffic light behavior Useful in model cities or smart traffic demos

Conclusion
This project effectively demonstrates the use of Arduino to control digital outputs (LEDs) in a real-world application.
It serves as a practical introduction to embedded systems, timing control, and circuit design. With a few additions (like
sensors or timers), it can be developed into a full-fledged smart traffic management system.
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Application and Future Scope:

1. Educational Projects
Ideal for students and beginners learning about electronics, Arduino programming, and embedded systems.

Helps understand basic logic control, digital outputs, and real-time automation.

Often used in school exhibitions, college-level electronics projects, and STEM education kits.

2. Smart City Prototypes

Can be integrated into miniature models of smart cities.

Demonstrates how traffic lights can be automated or controlled dynamically.

Useful for IoT demonstrations, combining with sensors to simulate real-time traffic management.

3. Pedestrian Safety Demonstrations

Can simulate pedestrian crossing systems using push buttons and LEDs.

Enhances public awareness about safe crossing practices.

Used in public awareness campaigns or road safety training setups.

4. Traffic Engineering Training

Utilized in traffic management and civil engineering labs.

Allows students to simulate and test timing strategies and intersection designs before real-world deployment.

Helps in understanding how signal coordination works in traffic systems.

5. Automation and Control System Learning

Demonstrates automation basics: timing, control logic, and sequential operations.

Can be expanded into projects that include vehicle detection sensors, timing adjustments, or wireless controls.

Foundation for building more complex microcontroller-based control systems.

6. Exhibitions and Science Fairs

Popular for use in tech exhibitions, maker fairs, and science competitions.

Easy to build, visually engaging, and conceptually rich.

7. Miniature Model Railways or Traffic Simulations

Used in train or car models to create realistic intersections and traffic flow.

Can simulate urban planning or transport system scenarios on a small scale.

Potential for Extension

With added components, this system can be upgraded to:

Adaptive Traffic Lights using sensors like IR, LDR, or Ultrasonic.

Wireless Traffic Control using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules (e.g., ESP8266).

Voice-controlled or app-controlled traffic signals using mobile integration.

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Future Scope of Traffic Light System Using Arduino

The Arduino-based traffic light system, while simple in its basic form, has significant potential for future enhancements and real-
world applications. As urban areas grow and traffic becomes more complex, the need for intelligent and adaptive traffic
management systems becomes essential. Here's a detailed look at its future scope:

1. Integration with Smart Sensors

IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or pressure sensors can be integrated to detect vehicle presence or density.

Traffic lights can dynamically adjust timings based on real-time traffic conditions, reducing congestion.

Useful at intersections with variable traffic flows.

2. IoT and Cloud Connectivity

Using Wi-Fi modules like ESP8266 or ESP32, the system can connect to the internet.

Enables remote monitoring and control of traffic lights from a central server.

Data can be collected and sent to cloud platforms for traffic analytics and decision-making.

3. Artificial Intelligence Integration

With AI/ML algorithms and cameras, systems can predict traffic patterns, detect violations, and optimize light timings.

AI-based traffic light systems are already being piloted in smart cities for adaptive signal control.

4. Mobile App Control & Alerts

Mobile apps can be used to:

Control or override traffic lights manually in emergencies.

Alert drivers or pedestrians of upcoming signal changes.

Provide navigation assistance based on traffic light status.

5. Pedestrian & Emergency Vehicle Integration

Add pedestrian buttons and audible buzzers to simulate real pedestrian-friendly crosswalks.

System can be upgraded to detect emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks) and give them priority by switching lights
automatically.

6. Scalable Multi-Junction Control

The project can be expanded to control multiple intersections with synchronized signals.

Coordination between lights helps improve traffic flow along busy roads and highways.

7. Environmentally Aware Systems

Integrate solar panels for energy independence and sustainability.

Use energy-efficient components and operate in low-power modes during night or low-traffic hours.

8. Simulation and Testing Platform

The system can serve as a simulation platform for testing new traffic control algorithms before real-world deployment.

Ideal for traffic engineers, researchers, and students.

Conclusion
The Arduino traffic light project is not just a beginner's exercise but a launchpad for future innovation. With modern technology like
IoT, AI, and real-time sensors, this system can evolve into a smart traffic control solution suitable for cities, campuses, or even
industrial zones. It offers a cost-effective, scalable, and highly customizable base for future intelligent transportation systems.