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Published on Thursday, April 1, 2004
in the polkonline.com
WINTER HAVEN - Technology may be changing the way drivers on I-4 in Polk County think about their travel plans.
Vacationers, commuters or truckers can plan a driving strategy using Web site photos, a radio frequency and messaging signs ÐÐ all motorist aids of the I-4 project developed by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Ken Nelson, spokesperson for the I-4 project, said although the system, called the Portable Intelligent Transportation System, has been in place since last month, there are still kinks to be worked out.
"For several months we've been getting units set in place and we're still refining,'' Nelson said.
Drivers have been able to access the Web site at www.I4polk.com since July 2002, but pictures of current traffic conditions have recently become available, he said.
By tuning into AM frequency1620, people can hear the highway advisory radio report. A third motorist aid is a messaging sign which can be moved and used to warn motorists of traffic accidents or emergency situations, he said.
"The main thing is that this will give motorists advance notice whenever they encounter delays,'' he said. "They can plan their travel on I-4 and consider leaving earlier or using an alternate route.''
Photos of traffic conditions at 10 sites can be viewed 24 hours a day by going to the Web site and clicking on Current Conditions. Photos can be viewed of eastbound and westbound traffic by clicking on dots on a map.
The pictures, updated every three minutes, are recorded in areas called Ô'Smart Zones," located at Exits 58, 55, 44, 41, 38, 33, 32, and 31, the I-4 westbound rest stop, and at Galloway Road. Detailed location descriptions are listed on the Web site.
Along with aid for motorists, there are benefits for the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP spokesman Trooper Larry Coggins, who worked in Polk County for 10 years, said the technology has been used in Orlando for several years and also at the Skyway Bridge in Pinellas County. "It's another set of eyes to help the highway patrol monitor vehicle crashes and traffic congestion,'' Coggins said.
Coggins said the new visual aid system will not be another means for more law enforcement, as some people might think.
"It will let us know if there are problems,'' he said.
FHP troopers in the Tampa district, which includes Polk County, study the Web site for potential traffic problems since they don't have cameras, he said.
Besides motorists, Nelson said the DOT is also trying to get trucking companies involved in the project.
With their on-board computers, "they would be able to monitor traffic conditions and could leave the highway in case of an emergency,'' he said.
Nelson cited DOT statistics that say 63,000 cars go through the Polk County I-4 corridor every day.
"There's a need for a wider highway,'' he said.
He encouraged edgy motorists concerned about traffic delays during construction to be aware contractors are obligated to keep two lanes open all day during the widening of I-4 from four to six lanes.
"Traffic should keep moving as it nears US 27,'' he said.