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New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine have launched a new advanced traveler information system in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Transportation officials say the three states collaborated on the system, which lets travelers plot specific routes and get information on accidents, construction, traffic delays, weather alerts and events taking place along their way.
The system launched in two phases on Thursday and Friday.
New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner Victoria Sheehan says the new system combines the latest technology and information into one easy-to-use portal.
The new system also allows travelers to save particular routes they might travel frequently, such as their commute to work, and automatically get updates on any incidents that could affect their trip.
The states also partnered with the travel navigation app “Waze” to exchange data and utilize the app to let travelers know when an incident such as an accident is over.
The traveler system sends subscribers information via text messages or emails, whereas the old system utilized only phone alerts.
“It’s very difficult when you’re trying to promote no cell phone use and we say, ‘Make sure you dial 511,’” said Denise Markow, administrator of Transportation System Management and Operations for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. She also helped coordinate efforts by the three states.
Markow said the states saved money by partnering on one platform, which cost each about $1 million versus the $6 million New Hampshire spent to launch its now-obsolete system 10 years ago.
“This is like storms and weather,” Markow said. “Nothing stops at the border.”
Travelers can sign up for the free service at www.newengland511.org.
Source: skift.com