Solar-powered SpeedInfo Sensors Bring Real-time Traffic Data to Ohio Drivers on Key Interstate, U.S. and State Routes

 
 
SAN JOSE, California, April 3, 2012 – Whether heading to Lake Erie for some R&R, carrying a load of food products across the state, going to a ball game or on their way to visiting relatives in Kentucky, drivers in Ohio will arrive at their destinations faster and more safely as a result of recent enhancements to the ODOT Traffic Management System.  Through a public-private partnership with SpeedInfo, Inc., more than 1,000 SpeedInfo solar-powered Vehicle Radar sensors have been deployed along important metro-corridor interstate and state roads. 
 
Traffic data from SpeedInfo sensors continuously feed ODOT’s Web-based system for traffic management and real-time road speeds and travel times are available through www.buckeyetraffic.org. The advanced ODOT system also distributes travel time information to an expanding network of digital message signs throughout the state, to highway advisory radio and also guides ODOT employees involved with traffic analysis and management.  Sensors are installed on average one mile apart in urban centers and two miles apart in rural areas on every major interstate, U.S. and state route in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Covington, Kentucky.
 
The State of Ohio and Ohio Department of Transportation, (ODOT), have made significant investments toward enhanced freeway management and empowering drivers with the most current and up-to-the-minute traffic flow and travel times information available. With significant highway construction projects statewide, freeway management is critical to provide Ohio drivers with safe and secure travel and to insure the smooth flow of commerce.
 
After the first deployment of SpeedInfo sensors, a university-based research effort validated the speed information and eventually led to an ODOT commitment to utilize radar for future projects.
 
“Using Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, state DOTs can improve the quality of traffic information for their own use, as well as to share with travelers. SpeedInfo’s ITS technology and data meet both of these needs with higher accuracy and more cost effectively than any other solution,” said Charlie Armiger, SpeedInfo’s Vice President of Program Development. “In a ‘do more with less’ environment, SpeedInfo’s low-cost approach of offering a turn-key data services business model that includes sensor network installation and maintenance, near real-time information with service performance guarantees, up to the minute updates and high ROI continues to be well received.”
 
How SpeedInfo’s Technology Works
SpeedInfo’s solar-powered radar sensors are mounted on existing light or signage poles.  Sensors are located every one-half to two miles 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 capital intensive, expensive, difficult to deploy, and provide untimely or 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 and has deployed more than 2,000 sensors on critical Interstate and arterial routes throughout the U.S and internationally. 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 traffic application developers. Founded in 2002, SpeedInfo is headquartered in San Jose, Calif.  For more information, please visit www.speedinfo.com.
 
About the Ohio Department of Transportation
Ohio’s highways are essential to keeping and creating new jobs.  With a mission to provide easy movement of people and goods from place to place, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for maintaining one of the largest transportation networks in the nation.  Guided by ethical principles and accountability, ODOT works to improve safety, enhance travel and advance economic development.  As a $2.8 billion enterprise, the department wisely invests in its core services of snow and ice removal, annual construction program and highway maintenance operations.
 
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Contact Information

Tim Johnson

Public Relations

for SpeedInfo

(1) 415-397-7600

tjohnson@stearnsjohnson.com