Transportation leaders in KC are implementing new real-time traffic technology to help reduce traffic jams, thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Why it matters: The initiative, dubbed Operation Green Light, seeks to retime street lights to lower fuel emissions, commute times, and even risky driving.

How it works: The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), a bi-state coordination group, used a USDOT SMART grant of about $735,000 awarded in 2023 to evaluate and select a traffic data vendor.

• That vendor, which has not yet been named, will use tracking info from people's cars and phones — like when they use map navigation — and package it for KC's regional freeway management system, Kansas City Scout.
• Traffic analysts will then use that information to make remote changes to signal timing.

What they're saying: "Traffic hot spots will be identified faster, and transportation managers can adjust how long specific lights remain green and when they turn red," USDOT deputy assistant secretary Lee White said at a press briefing Monday.

Zoom in: The tech will be tested this summer during the World Cup, where an expected 650,000 fans will converge on Kansas City's roadways.

• "We expect that this SMART grant will help create a positive fan experience, reduce traffic bottlenecks and offer a glimpse into the future of transportation," White said.
• "We want to keep people safe," during the World Cup, KC2026 chief operations officer Lindsey Douglas said at the briefing. "When you have technology that's helping to aid fluidity, people take less risky decisions."

Zoom out: Technology like this is springing up around the country, from California to Florida.

• "What makes this Kansas City project unique is their integration of data and systems among multiple counties and two states," USDOT communications officer Dov Schwartz tells Axios.

Between the lines: Raymond Webb, the traffic operations director at MARC, says the data they receive will be anonymized from multiple sources, including built-in car systems, commercial vehicles and phones.

What's next: Once MARC finalizes the vendor contract, traffic officials plan to meet with 12 metro agencies and local governments over the coming months to determine how to best roll out the tech, Webb says.

⛔️ Northbound 169 Highway, a major artery connecting the metro to the Northland, is closed indefinitely after crews found a serious structural issue on a bridge over railroad tracks. Access to the downtown airport remains. (FOX4)

🏟️ Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins and city council members are joining in opposition to a Royals stadium at the Aspiria campus in Overland Park. Their concerns follow pushback from the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. (Johnson County Post)

🍎 Kansas City Public Schools' first new building in more than 30 years, called the King Empowerment Center, will include an elementary school, an early childhood center, a food pantry, and a laundromat. It's set to open in 2027. (KCUR)

The "most wonderful time of the year" can also be the most stressful time of the year. And, we're not the only ones feeling anxious.

The big picture: With disrupted schedules, out of town guests and extra travel, our pets can pick up on the added stress of the holidays.

State of play: Lovet Pet Health Care instructs pet owners to look out for these signs of stress:

• Shivering, trembling, or shaking off — Dogs shiver when afraid.
• Excessive barking, whimpering, and whining — Prolonged and intense barking is one way dogs try to express their worry. Whimpering and whining is more of a request for comfort.
• Hiding — Many dogs will seek out small, enclosed spaces where they feel more secure, such as under furniture, in closets, or in their crates.

Zoom in: Veterinarian W. Chris Hummel offers these tips to help your best bud with seasonal stress:

• Stick to a routine — It's hard to feed them at the same time when you have the office holiday party after work, or your once-a-year meet-up with friends, but do your best. "Consistency can provide a sense of security for your pet amidst the chaos," Hummel says.
• Create a safe space — Maybe it's a crate covered with a blanket, a closet or room with few windows where they can retreat away from the chaos.
• Make time for them alone — Just like the humans in our life, pets need our time and attention to feel loved, and avoid feelings of abandonment. Sneak in enough walks and exercise time for them to burn off energy.
• Use white noise and familiar scents — A white noise machine or calming music can be soothing for your dog. Leaving your used T-shirt or a blanket nearby so that your pet can have your scent on hand can be soothing as well.

Reality check: It's cold, snowy and not pleasant for any of us. Don't forget to make sure your pooch is just as prepared as you for the inclement weather.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: For an example of what not to do this holiday to your cats, keep scrolling.

Drive slowly through this glowing corner right off Ward Parkway, where the neighborhood goes all-in on lights bright enough to guide Santa's sleigh.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I ended my weekend by making the trip to see the lights. It is loud, joyful and exactly the kind of over-the-top cheer December calls for.

• I brought Walter CronCat and Edward R. Purrrow along. They were not fans.