5/23/2016
New 511 traveler services feature provides near real-time highway traffic-delay information
BOISE -- Idaho
Transportation Department’s 511 traveler services has provided valuable
information for motorists about highway conditions statewide and potential
travel delays since it first rolled out in 2005.
Now, drivers can learn how long a simple morning commute could be delayed with just a
couple of mouse clicks. A new feature recently added to Idaho’s 511 traveler
services allows users to find out just how long current events may delay their
drive in near real time.
“Idaho's 511
system has had access to Google Traffic Speed information for some time,” said
Tony Ernest, ITD’s 511 manager. “It is possible at any given time to
ask Google to give us the travel time between any two points. Google
returns how long it takes to travel the distance, both under ideal conditions
and under current conditions. Simple math provides the current delay.”
“For each event
in 511 with the potential to create a traffic delay, we automatically and
periodically check the traffic speeds behind that event,” Ernest explained. “If
a delay is detected, the 511 system automatically modifies the event to show
how long it is.”
The event icon
is given a highly visible orange "glow" on the Full Feature version
of ITD’s 511 website, to represent that it is currently causing
delays. The event description is automatically updated to describe the length of the current delay. This information is regularly updated
every 15 minutes. Once the delay goes
away, the event returns to normal.
Currently, this
is only implemented for construction, maintenance and incidents, like crashes
for example, on Idaho's interstates.
“Theoretically,
this can work on any highway that gets sufficient traffic, and that has
sufficient cell coverage for Google Traffic Speed to have meaningful live
information,” Ernest said. “We are looking to expand this to all U.S.
highways, and to a few key state highways in Idaho. We are also working on
using this new technology to report live traffic delays for recurrent rush-hour
congestion, and for delays associated with winter storms. The potential
for this innovative technology is huge.”
The new live delay information is only displayed on the Full Feature version of ITD’s 511 website. In the future, the hope is to expand this capability into the department’s 511 smartphone app, and into the streamlined version of the 511 website.