The State of Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) has deployed BlueToad, a speed monitoring system from TrafficCast, along Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway). The monitoring will continue through this fall as the state resurfaces the highway.
BlueToad (Bluetooth travel-time origination and destination) uses advanced wireless technology with data processing to measure travel times and route behaviors. It detects anonymous identifications used to connect Bluetooth technologies such as hands-free headsets and audio syncing. The BlueToad operating system calculates travel times by analysis of timestamps on passing vehicles.
The information will be posted on overhead signs and on IDOT’s regional travel website, www.gcmtravel.com, as part of the Traffic System Center (TSC). Delcan Corp. administers IDOT’s Traffic System Center and has integrated the BlueToad travel times into its system.
“The Eisenhower resurfacing project was a high priority, and we needed to help drivers deal with the expected congestion,” said Jeff Galas, manager of IDOT TSC. “This BlueTOAD technology plan came together quickly, and it works. I’ve driven the route often, and the travel times are correct.”
The Eisenhower Expressway project consists of resurfacing 27 mi. along I-290 from Thorndale to the Circle Interchange (90-94) near downtown Chicago, and from I-355 from Army Trail Road to I-290, located within both Cook and DuPage counties. The work will includes repairs to 37 bridge structures.
