‘To-the-minute’ estimates hit ADOT freeway signs
Project testing travel time estimate effect on congestion
July 21, 2008
PHOENIX - For months now, Valley drivers have known how many minutes their commute to and from work might be thanks to travel time estimates posted on overhead freeway signs. Beginning Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is getting more precise with how long those commutes may take.
The second stage of a year long pilot project to provide drivers with estimated travel times will include showing more precise 'to-the-minute' times on the signs, rather than rounding them to five minute intervals. This change, based on commuter feedback, will help drivers to better anticipate traffic conditions and plan accordingly.
In January, ADOT launched a pilot program that uses data from traffic flow sensors to estimate how long it would take to reach various parts of the Valley during weekday peak commute periods, rounded to the nearest five minute increment. Six overhead message boards on select metro Phoenix freeways displayed these travel time estimates during both the morning (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and afternoon (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) peak commute periods.
Although the program started with displaying the more conservative five minute intervals, public feedback (encouraged at www.az511.gov) helped guide the decision to show more precise time displays during the next six months. As part of this innovative driver information project, ADOT is studying the accuracy of the estimated travel times and looking for any effects on freeway speeds, congestion and safety.
ADOT launched the travel times program on January 22. Data from traffic flow sensors along the freeway is used to estimate how long drivers can expect a trip to take between key freeway locations in the Phoenix area.
Travel times might not be displayed if a higher priority message needs to be conveyed, such as Amber Alerts, roadway closures, safety issues or special events.
The following overhead message signs will be used during the travel times pilot program:
Morning Peak Commute Period (6 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
Eastbound Interstate 10 at 67th Avenue (West Phoenix)
Westbound Interstate 10 at Guadalupe Road (Approaching Broadway Curve)
Westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) at McClintock Drive
Westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) at Extension Road
Southbound Interstate 17 at Northern Avenue
Southbound State Route 51 at Northern Avenue
Afternoon Peak Commute Period (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Westbound Interstate 10 at 7th Avenue (near Deck Park Tunnel)
Eastbound Interstate 10 at 10th Street (near Deck Park Tunnel)
Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) at 24th Street
Southbound Interstate 17 at Central Avenue (After Durango Curve)
Northbound Interstate 17 at 4th Avenue (Approaching Durango Curve)
Northbound State Route 51 at Osborn Road
