ADOT to increase number of real-time traffic displays
Nov 19, 2014, 1:01 PM | Updated: 1:01 pm
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is aiming to make commuting for Valley drivers a little easier.
The department announced it is nearing the end of an expansion program to increase the number of electronic message boards that display real-time traffic information to drivers.
ADOT Spokesman Doug Nintzel said allowing drivers to know the time it will take them to reach certain destinations can help make freeways and commuting more efficient.
“If a driver notices that the commute time has increased, they know that something has happened up ahead,” Nintzel said. “It gives them an idea to make a decision, ‘Should I use an alternate route rather than sticking with the freeway?'”
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, for example, descriptions or plate numbers during Amber Alerts.
By the end of the year, Nintzel said ADOT expects to have 76 of those boards displaying the real-time traffic information during rush hour commutes.
Not only will that help drivers make more informed decisions, it can also increase safety on Valley freeways, Nintzel said.
“Something might be up ahead and it can increase (a driver’s) level of caution,” Nintzel said.
Currently 65 signs of the 108 provide traffic times, which is an increase of 34 since ADOT decided to expand the number in September.
