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Kentucky Traffic Technology Helps Keep You
On Schedule
Gail
Tucker
Transportation Cabinet
Three of
the Traffic Response and Incident Management Assisting the River
Cities (TRIMARC) signs in Louisville are now displaying estimated
travel times to key interchanges.
The data necessary
to calculate travel times is gathered through traffic sensors
along the side of the road that measure speed, volume and density.
Currently the large over-the-road message signs at I-71 southbound
near Zorn Avenue, I-64 westbound near Grinstead and I-65 northbound
at Fern Valley are displaying estimated times. Generally the estimated
time is to Spaghetti Junction where I-64, I-71 and I-65 merge.
Future plans include adding other locations to the system.
"While
the travel time information is helpful for motorists, they need
to realize that incidents can occur after they have passed the
sign that can impact their travel times," according to TRIMARC
program manager John Crossfield. He also added that incident information
would always take precedence over estimated travel times.
TRIMARC, which
began operation in 2000, has 12 overhead interstate signs giving
up-to-date travel information. The system uses state-of-the art
technology to improve safety, emergency response, travel time
and air quality within the Greater Louisville area. TRIMARC, an
initiative of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Indiana
Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration,
monitors over 50 miles of interstate in the Louisville and southern
Indiana region.
In addition
to the signs, TRIMARC also has a Web site (www.trimarc.org) and
a weekday traffic television program that airs on Greater Louisville
TV (Channel 25) from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. In conjunction with AAA
Kentucky, TRIMARC also operates Freeway Friends, a service patrol
to provide free roadside assistance to stranded motorists and
public safety officers.
The TRIMARC
Web site was chosen as one of four outstanding sites in a Federal
Highway Administration competition in early September. The Web
site, which went online in 2001, was selected from a review of
276 traveler information sites for its content and usability.
Users of the site can click on signs or cameras to get detailed
information. Amber Alerts are also posted on TRIMARC signs and
the Web page.
TRIMARC is
an Intelligent Transportation System designed to manage freeway
traffic congestion.
See also:
Trimarc Website: http://www.trimarc.org/cgi-bin/home.cgi
Kentucky's 511 Traffic and Travel Info: http://511.ky.gov
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