Travel Time Messaging Expanded in Central Maryland

(March 8, 2010) – Sitting in traffic is extremely frustrating.  The main question for motorists is: how long it will take to get moving again?  That is about to change.  The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is taking a major step forward in rolling out a second phase of real-time destination information directly to motorists. 

Beginning today, SHA will post travel times to major destinations like I-695, I-70, I-95, I-83 and the Capital Beltway on overhead signs.  The program, which began in January along I-95 between the Baltimore and Capital beltways, has been expanded to help motorists determine travel time information on some of Maryland’s most congested highways. 

“New technology is allowing SHA to provide real-time travel time information to our customers,” said Neil J. Pedersen, SHA Administrator.  “Motorists can in turn make informed decisions about alternate routes or travel plans.”

In addition to I-95, the expanded travel time system will include Variable Message Signs (VMS) along sections of the Baltimore and Capital beltways and MD 295 (Baltimore/Washington Parkway).  SHA will employ 23 VMS signs in the travel time program, which are located along the following roads:

• Seven along I-495/I-95 between I-95 and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge;
• Eight along I-95 between I-695 and I-495, as well as prior to MD 43 (Whitemarsh Blvd.);
• Six along I-695 from Essex through Towson and into Catonsville; and
• Two along MD 295 between I-695 and I-195.

The system uses travel time information that comes from GPS transponder devices in company fleet vehicles.  The data ascertained from the equipment is available to motorists between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven-days a week.

In addition to gaining real-time travel information on the overhead signs, motorists can log onto www.roads.maryland.gov before leaving from home, work or school.  The information will allow motorists to select viable alternate routes, which helps to reduce recurring congestion.

In the past, variable message signs displayed information such as incidents, detour routes or traffic congestion.  The travel time system will make more efficient use of the VMS system, which will revert back to normal messaging in the event of a major crash or delay.  The travel time messages are automatically removed in the event of an urgent message, such as an incident with lane closures or a planned roadway closure.  SHA plans to deploy additional travel time systems later this summer along routes such as I-83, I-270 and I-795.  Motorists can view a map of the DMS sign locations by logging onto www.roads.maryland.gov. 

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