ADOT to expand real-time Phoenix-area traffic displays
Jul 29, 2015, 5:17 PM | Updated: 7:58 pm
Commute times are displayed on many of ADOT's electronic message boards. (ADOT Photo)
(ADOT Photo)
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation expanded the hours and days when travel times are displayed on message boards above Phoenix-area freeways this week.
ADOT is increasing the program beyond morning and afternoon rush hours. Motorists can expect the drive time updates during evenings as well as weekends.
The message boards show motorists estimated travel times to locations ahead, such as major cross streets or other Valley freeways.
The goal is to provide drivers with information on the conditions of the freeway ahead of them. This could have a positive impact on the flow of traffic and help the driver save time by picking an alternate route, if necessary. It can also increase freeway safety.
“Something might be up ahead and it can increase (a driver’s) level of caution,” ADOT Spokesman Doug Nintzel said in November.
The information is being displayed seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
In total, ADOT operates 193 message boards across the state with 108 of those in the Phoenix-metro area. The signs can be used to display traffic and other important information. By the end of the year, Nintzel said ADOT expects to have 76 of those boards displaying the real-time traffic information.
