Las Vegas Pilots AI-Powered Pedestrian Safety on Fremont Street

City leaders hope new smart signals will transform pedestrian safety in high-traffic downtown area.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The city of Las Vegas is launching a $1.4 million pilot program to install 16 smart traffic signals along the Fremont Street Experience that will use artificial intelligence to detect pedestrians and adjust traffic flow in real-time. The goal is to improve pedestrian safety in the high-traffic downtown area that sees around 26 million visitors per year.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety is a major concern in dense urban areas like downtown Las Vegas, where heavy foot and vehicle traffic can lead to dangerous situations for those on foot. This AI-powered system aims to proactively manage traffic flow and protect pedestrians, potentially serving as a model for other cities looking to leverage technology to address this issue.

The details

The smart signals will be able to detect pedestrians and automatically adjust traffic signals to give them the right-of-way, eliminating the need for pedestrians to press a button and wait for a walk signal. This real-time traffic management system is part of the city's broader Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

  • The $1.4 million grant to fund the pilot was secured by U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nevada.
  • The 16 smart signals will be installed along the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.

The players

Dina Titus

U.S. Representative for Nevada's 1st congressional district, who secured the $1.4 million grant to fund the pedestrian safety pilot program.

Shelley Berkley

Mayor of Las Vegas, who stated that if the Fremont Street pilot is successful, the city will look to implement the AI-powered pedestrian safety system citywide.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

If the Fremont Street pilot is successful, the city of Las Vegas plans to expand the AI-powered pedestrian safety system to other areas of the city.

The takeaway

This innovative use of AI technology to enhance pedestrian safety in high-traffic urban areas could serve as a model for other cities looking to leverage smart city solutions to protect vulnerable road users and reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.