CRANBERRY TWP — New signal technology may alleviate the frustrating traffic tie-ups that are well known to motorists who travel Freedom Road near the Cranberry Mall.

The township supervisors Thursday night approved a plan in which adaptive technology will be added to traffic signals on Freedom Road between Thorn Hill Road and Route 19.

Jason Kratsas, the township director of engineering, explained that the apparatus would allow signal lights to adapt to traffic patterns as they change during the day and night.

Kratsas said if traffic increases, the signal lights would automatically adapt to prevent or alleviate congestion in the busy area.

“We’re trying to keep up with the traffic on Freedom Road, which can be unpredictable at times,” Kratsas said.

Township manager Jerry Andree said the $50,000 project is being funded through a $25,000 state Department of Transportation grant which the township will match.

Andree said the grant comes from the revenue generated in Philadelphia through the automated red light program, in which cameras catch motorists running red lights.

“Fees from that program go into a pot to support statewide traffic projects,” Andree said.

He said the township received the $25,000 grant about a month ago.

Kratsas hopes to get the equipment by fall and install it later this year.

If it is successful on the short span of Freedom Road, Kratsas wants expand the program to other major roads.

“This our pilot program to see how the system works and how to best utilize it,” Kratsas said.