WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-New Site Gives Commuters I-89 Traffic Tips

New Site Gives Commuters I-89 Traffic Tips

Richmond, Vermont - May 14, 2008

A Vermont company is using a high-tech system to keep traffic flowing during a major construction project on I-89. Worksafe Traffic Control Industries has set up a system of sensors in the construction zone at French Hill. It's called a "smart work zone."

The sensors relay up-to-the-minute traffic information to a main computer server. That server then sends the information to display signs along the road. Depending on the situation the signs might warn drivers of a five or ten minute delay, or simply let them know that traffic is reduced to a single lane ahead.

With 33,000 cars passing through the area every day the goal is to keep things flowing smoothly while construction is ongoing. If drivers see that there is a delay ahead, they have the option of taking Exit 12 and using Route 2 instead.

"We want to give Vermonters the tools they need to find a detour that works or to plan some extra time when going through this construction zone," says Agency of Transportation Secretary Neal Lunderville.

Travelers can also log on to www.511i89.com to get the same information. Users can also check out the site's web cam, which displays a still image of the north and southbound lanes. The image is updated every minute.

"Smart work zone" systems have been in use for more than a decade, but this is the first time Vermont has used one. Gray Ricker, the owner of Worksafe Traffic Control Industries, says he definitely thinks their use will expand as more states see how helpful they can be. VTRANS says it's already hoping to use the system again.

Bianca Slota - WCAX News