SAN JOSE, CA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- SpeedInfo Inc., provider of the "most accurate and lowest cost solution for measuring traffic flow," announced that the Washington, DC, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has deployed 50 SpeedInfo Doppler radar sensors to measure traffic speeds on major arterials and evacuation routes from the District. In support of Operation Fast Forward II and the DDOT Traffic Management Center, the speed sensor installations provide coverage for six evacuation routes from the National Mall to the beltway. The SpeedInfo system provides comprehensive and unique flow coverage for downtown arterials, Interstate I-295, and I-395. The flow data from the sensor network will be used to evaluate emergency signal-timing patterns and emergency transportation communication protocols, as well as offer improved traveler information.
"We're looking forward to using this new tool to provide a new and more detailed picture of our evacuation routes and traffic flow patterns," said Erik Linden, Communications Director for DDOT. "We began evaluating the data immediately and are hoping it represents a significant advancement for traffic flow measurement."
SpeedInfo engineers designed the network to operate 24 hours per day and measure average traffic speeds for both limited access highways and arterial routes. The adaptive sensors provide programmable sampling rates and can adapt to changing conditions automatically. Recent advances in algorithm development correlate flow with signal timing to enable traffic engineers to establish accurate travel times and improved signal-timing patterns.
"With more than 600 sensors installed nationwide, SpeedInfo's technology has been recognized as the most advanced and cost-effective traffic-flow-measurement technology available," said Doug Finlay, SpeedInfo's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to monitoring evacuation routes, our customers most frequently employ SpeedInfo technology to monitor traffic speeds for improved incident detection, work-zone safety, and traveler information systems. Our accurate-to-the-minute data improves information available to drivers and helps reduce travel times, which together help improve air quality and the environment."
How SpeedInfo's Technology Works
SpeedInfo's Doppler radar sensors are mounted on light or signage poles and are solar powered. Sensors are located approximately every mile 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 our server in a standard XML format or, if required, specialized formats. Unlike other solutions that are expensive, difficult to deploy, provide inaccurate data, and/or are buried under the highway and destroyed when roads are repaved, SpeedInfo's sensors install easily. 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. 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, SpeedInfo customers include mass media organizations that provide traffic information that radio and television networks broadcast to consumers, traffic aggregation companies, and mobile application developers, such as content providers for automotive navigation systems. Founded in 2002, SpeedInfo is headquartered in San Jose, CA. For more information, please visit the company's Web site.
About DDOT
The District of Columbia government's Department of Transportation's (DDOT) mission is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely, with minimal adverse impacts on residents and the environment. The District of Columbia government's Department of Transportation (DDOT) manages and maintains transportation infrastructure. The Department:
- Plans, designs, constructs, and maintains the District's streets, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, traffic signals, and street lights
- Manages and makes improvements to the street system to facilitate traffic flow through the District of Columbia
- Assists with the removal of snow and ice from the streets and the coordination of activities during snow emergencies
- Coordinates the District's mass transit services, including the reduced-fare program for students using MetroBus and MetroRail