Trafficcast

TrafficCast Technology Monitors Anonymous Bluetooth Signals to Directly Measure Road Speeds

MADISON, WI May 5, 2010 - The State of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will deploy BlueTOADTM by TrafficCast to serve as the temporary system to monitor travel times and road speeds during the resurfacing of the Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) through the Fall of 2010.

BlueTOAD combines advanced wireless technology with sophisticated data processing to directly measure travel times and route behaviors.  The roadside BlueTOAD device detects anonymous identifications used to connect Bluetooth technologies such as “hands-free” headsets and audio syncing.  The related BlueTOAD operating system calculates travel times by analysis of timestamps on subsequent detections in passing vehicles.  The BlueTOAD name is an acronym for Bluetooth Travel-time Origination And Destination. 

IDOT will integrate BlueTOAD data into its traffic information systems for internal management as well as communications to drivers, including postings on overhead message signs.  Normally, road speeds and travel times are derived from inductive loop sensors embedded in Chicago-area expressways.  These will be disabled by the resurfacing project. With its independent operation on the cellular network and flexibility in installation, BlueTOAD will enable IDOT to maintain the communication of vital driver information throughout the project, when extensive congestion and delays are likely.

Traffic Control Corporation, a leading distributor of advanced transportation technology in the Midwest and a sales partner of TrafficCast for BlueTOAD, facilitated the deployment.

“The Illinois DOT is always looking for innovative ways to enhance the reliability and safety of its roads for Illinois drivers,” commented Joe Spedale, Director of Sales and Marketing for Traffic Control Corporation.  “The Eisenhower resurfacing project is a necessary endeavor for the agency and our objective was to support them with the most advanced technology to help those drivers deal with the expected congestion this summer and fall.”

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with Traffic Control and IDOT in the critical Eisenhower rehabilitation, and deploy BlueTOAD to deliver accurate travel times in difficult travel conditions,” said Neal Campbell, CEO of TrafficCast.  “Bluetooth detection is proving to deliver the value of probe detection like cameras and toll tag readers without the complications of cost, privacy and infrastructure impact.”

The Eisenhower project consists of resurfacing 27 miles 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 includes repairs to 37 bridge structures.  The project will be completed in one construction season, weather permitting in the Fall of 2010. Major traffic impacts to the traveling public are anticipated.

For more information, see www.trafficcast.com.

TrafficCast Contact:
Nick Kiernan
(608) 268-3927 office
(917) 374-3848 mobile
n.kiernan@trafficcast.com