Traffic.com To Add Triangle to Information Network

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – If you are among the thousands of people caught up in traffic snarls every business day around the Triangle, hearing I-40, I-540, I-440 and Wade Avenue called expressways is a bad joke.

However, some relief – at least in giving drivers warnings about what to expect or information about the latest road-clogging incident – is on the way.

By this time next year, Traffic.com plans to be delivering commuters information via wireless devices from sensors it plans to install along the major “expressways” across the Triangle.

Traffic.com, which is based in Wayne, Pa., and the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced an agreement Thursday morning for the installation of the sensors. Traffic.com already works with 24 other markets. (Some information is already available at Traffic.com’s Web site about Triangle traffic.)

The company and NCDOT will partner t provide real-time information and updates, with Traffic.com personnel monitoring the highways through a proprietary traffic information management system. The system will be installed, maintained and updated by Traffic.com at no cost to the state. Sensors will be placed along I-40, I-540, I-440, U.S. 1 and Wade Avenue, according to the company. Traffic.com makes money in part by selling advertising on its Web site and services.

Updates will be provided to news media, on the Web and over wireless platforms. Information will include accident reports, vehicle speeds, congestion levels and travel as well as delay times.

The DOT already operates an extensive system of traffic “cams,” which Triangle media tie in to for live reports, especially during the morning commute.

 “Cities like Raleigh that are experiencing tremendous economic growth are faced with numerous issues related to increasing traffic,” said David Jannetta, president of Traffic.com, in a statement. “Our proven technology and partnership model will provide NCDOT with reliable, accurate, and complete traffic information for agency planning and provide Raleigh drivers with crucial real-time traffic alerts when and where they need it most."

To see what Traffic.com has in store for the Triangle, check out its Web site. It also offers information through a toll-free number (1-866-MY TRAFC) and through SMS services for text messages.