SpeedInfo Sensors to Help Seattle-area Commuters By Providing Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Information
SAN JOSE, Calif.--SpeedInfo Inc., provider of the most accurate and lowest cost solution for directly measuring traffic flow, announced today the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has deployed SpeedInfo’s solar-powered Doppler radar sensors along Interstate 5 between DuPont and Fort Lewis. The sensors are providing real-time traffic information to WSDOT and to commuters through WSDOT’s Website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/dupont. WSDOT plans to deploy additional SpeedInfo sensors along other parts of I-5 in the near future.
WSDOT reports that traffic has increased significantly on this section of I-5 in recent years. For example, gate counts at Fort Lewis have risen from 265,000 per week in 2006 to 317,000 per week in 2007. In addition to increased highway usage by commuters, WSDOT also anticipates additional congestion as troops eventually return from deployment in Iraq. SpeedInfo sensors are currently providing real-time traffic flow data for this previously uncovered 10 miles of I-5.
“We reviewed several different technologies for securing more accurate and up-to-the-minute traffic information as cost effectively as possible, and SpeedInfo’s Doppler radar system emerged as an effective solution,” said Matthew Neeley, State Research and Planning Engineer, of WSDOT. “SpeedInfo’s solar-powered approach has worked flawlessly, despite the Seattle area’s frequently cloudy and rainy weather. This sensor design also sped deployment and the SpeedInfo data service business model provides for complete turn-key maintenance and support, so that WSDOT can be assured of data availability and focus on utilizing the data for our travel information systems.”
“WSDOT’s deployment in the DuPont-Fort Lewis comes after an extensive trial and system testing period. With over 700 sensors installed nationwide operating in all weather conditions, we are encouraged that our proven system is enabling WSDOT to provide enhanced real-time traffic speed information to both the Department and consumers through important Seattle-area traffic corridors,” said Charlie Armiger, SpeedInfo’s Vice President of Program Development. “Enhancing traffic management center operations and information for travelers by providing current speed updates every minute helps improve safety, incident and emergency response times and enhances government support services while at the same time enabling drivers to make decisions with more reliable data.”
How SpeedInfo’s Technology Works
SpeedInfo’s Doppler radar sensors are mounted on light or signage poles. Sensors are located approximately every mile and collect traffic speed information continuously. Sensors forward data to the SpeedInfo Traffic Data Server via the AT&T Wireless® data network with virtually no latency. SpeedInfo servers format the data for delivery to customers via the Internet. The data is available from SpeedInfo servers in a standard XML format, or if required, specialized formats. Unlike other solutions that are expensive, difficult to deploy, and provide inaccurate data, SpeedInfo’s sensors install easily on existing infrastructure. Highway crews can cover as many as 15 miles of highway a day with no lane closures or disruption to traffic
About SpeedInfo
SpeedInfo is a leading innovator of real-time traffic data networks. In addition to providing advanced traffic sensor technology, SpeedInfo server software and network expertise combine to create a commercial data infrastructure that eliminates existing problems with data latency, reliability and comprehensive coverage. In addition to state and local Departments of Transportation and Metro Planning Organizations, SpeedInfo customers include mass media organizations that provide traffic information that radio and television networks broadcast to consumers, traffic aggregation companies, and mobile application developers, such as content providers for automotive navigation systems. Founded in 2002, SpeedInfo is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. For more information, please visit www.speedinfo.com.
About the Washington State Department of Transportation
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), led by a Secretary and overseen by the Governor, is a Washington governmental agency that constructs, maintains, and regulates the use of the state's transportation infrastructure. This infrastructure includes rail lines, state highways, state ferries (considered part of the highway system) and state airports. For more information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov.