Wisconsin to test traffic tracking

The Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation (WisDOT) is green-lighting a plan to provide real-time traffic data to commercial, commuter and leisure travelers for a nearly 250 mile stretch of US 41 and I-43. The routes connect Milwaukee, Green Bay and several cities in between. WisDOT expects the system to be operational this summer.

The system will rely on a combination of sensors embedded in the road along with data gleaned from other sources compiled by Minneapolis-based traffic data system maker Inrix Inc. and coordinated by Kirkland, WA-based consulting firm Short Elliott Hendrickson.

“Currently, these routes lack a sufficient amount of traditional sensors, and as a result WisDOT is not able to provide real-time accurate travel information, which can cause increased congestion, travel delays, and inaccurate data to maintain safe roadways,” said Rick Schuman, Inrix’s vp-public sector. “Our ‘Smart Dust Network’ will provide real-time traffic information by leveraging traffic-related data from more than 250 public and private sources, including traditional road sensors, GPS-enabled vehicles and other data sources.”