Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

H3−6: Website for Traffic Information, Advisories, and Alerts

DESCRIPTION:

Websites have become an important source of highway construction project information to travelers and others. Some websites are project specific, while others are statewide or regional.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) maintains a website dedicated to work zone activities. The website features updates on current and planned road construction projects, real−time traffic reports, construction expenditure information, and work zone safety tips. The website can be viewed at http://www.dot.state.ia.us/roadcons.htm.

The Maryland CHART program is a multi−jurisdictional and multi−disciplinary program that provides real−time traffic information, incident response, lane closure information (including for work zones), and general traveler information via a website at www.chart.state.md.us. A statewide operations center serves as the "hub" of the CHART system with satellite traffic operations centers across the State to handle peak−period traffic.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintains the TripCheck website (http://www.tripcheck.com), a one−stop website for motorists to learn about road conditions in and around the State. The website is updated in near real−time and shows on−going construction activities, weather conditions, and maps of trucking centers and travel centers across the state.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Providing easy, quick, comprehensive communication for concerned audiences underscores the agency's commitment to informing the public about road project(s) and gives travelers the ability to pre−plan their trips including when to leave, what routes to take, and what mode of transportation to use.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Web technology provides the ability to distribute traffic information to concerned audiences directly in real time and enables an agency to reach a large number of people in a short time at a manageable cost. Providing real−time traffic and lane closure information can enable drivers to choose alternate routes and transportation modes, thereby reducing travel times and delays due to incidents. Congestion is reduced and travel speeds increase.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

This practice is applicable to all types of construction projects where the public will be impacted by construction activities.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Iowa, Maryland, Oregon

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Mark Bortle, Iowa DOT
Phone: (515) 239−11587
E−mail: mark.bortle@dot.state.ia.us