Smart Movable Road Divider for Clearance Ambulance Path and Traffic Control

Urban traffic congestion poses a critical challenge to emergency response efficiency, particularly for ambulances navigating through dense traffic environments. This paper presents the design and implementation of a Smart Movable Road Divider (SMRD) system aimed at creating a dynamic, real-time clearance path for ambulances while maintaining optimal traffic control. The proposed system integrates embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, utilizing a PIC18F4520 microcontroller, RFID tag reader, IR and ultrasonic sensors, LCD display, traffic signal LEDs, buzzers, and a motorized road divider mechanism. Upon detecting an approaching ambulance via RFID and proximity sensors, the system triggers the controlled movement of road dividers to allocate a temporary dedicated lane. Traffic signals and auditory alerts guide surrounding vehicles to ensure safe and efficient operation. Data collected by sensors is processed to coordinate divider movement and traffic signal control, while an IoT-enabled dashboard offers centralized monitoring and manual override capabilities via WiFi or GSM. The SMRD system is designed to reduce ambulance response times, enhance road safety, and improve urban traffic flow, contributing to the advancement of intelligent transportation systems and smart city initiatives.