INDOT reveals 'dramatic' expansion of traffic Web site

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced a dramatic expansion of its free TrafficWise traveler information service to include updated reports for all state roads, U.S. highways and interstates in Indiana.

Effective immediately, motorists now have a new tool to plan their travels by visiting www.TrafficWise.IN.gov or dialing 800-261-ROAD (7623).

“The new INDOT TrafficWise service is our first advanced technology deployment that covers both rural and urban state highways in all corners of Indiana,” INDOT Commissioner Michael W. Reed, said.  “As the busy Thanksgiving travel holiday draws nearer, INDOT encourages motorists to ‘Know Before You Go’ by arming themselves with information from the new INDOT TrafficWise service.”

INDOT’s TrafficWise service is the first to launch new software, developed with pooled Federal funds from a dozen states, that provides more user-friendly Web and phone traveler information.

 Motorists accustomed to dialing the Indiana State Police Winter Road Conditions Hotline at (800) 261-ROAD (7623) will now reach the new INDOT TrafficWise service.  In addition to winter road conditions, callers will also hear year-round reports of traffic delays caused by roadway maintenance, construction or crashes.

Controlled by a caller’s voice or numeric keypad, the phone system provides traffic reports for individual state highways or major metropolitan regions. 

Additional information is available on the INDOT TrafficWise Web site at www.TrafficWise.IN.gov, including reports of future road construction or maintenance.  Links to existing INDOT TrafficWise sites provide traffic speed estimates and snapshots from 80 traffic cameras within the Northwest and Central Indiana urban areas.

“INDOT’s TrafficWise Traveler Information Service is part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficiency and safety of our highways using Intelligent Transportation Systems,” Reed said. “Deployment of advanced technology helps route traffic to cut down on delays and its effects, including secondary crashes and pollution. This also helps maximize use of the existing road network, reducing the long-term need for costly and disruptive road expansion projects.”

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at editor@thetrucker.com.

Follow The Trucker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/truckertalk.