The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is set to begin work on a $1.4 million project that will expands the Lubbock District’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) by adding 11 Dynamic Message Boards (DMS) and five cameras.
Work to install five DMS along US 62/82 (Marsha Sharp Freeway), four DMS and five traffic cameras along I-27, one DMS along south Loop 289 and one DMS along US 84 in Slaton is scheduled to begin on July 14, said George Villarreal, TxDOT transportation engineer and project manager.
“Motorists can anticipate various lane and ramp closures throughout the duration of the project and are asked to slow down in work zones and watch out for crew members and equipment, for their safety and the safety of the workers,” Villarreal said.
The ITS provides real-time information to be used to craft messages to the traveling public relating to accidents, weather or highway conditions that might be causing bottlenecks or congestion via the message boards.
Messages provide motorists travel and safety information regarding:
- Incident management—If traffic slows significantly due to accident or disabled cars that cause distractions then a message could go up warning motorists that traffic is backed up,
- Weather conditions—Ice on the roadway or low visibility because of blowing dust, fog or heavy rain or snow,
- Roadway conditions—Problems with pavement or slow or congested traffic because of highway construction or routine maintenance,
- Amber or Silver Alerts.
The project’s completion is scheduled for spring 2016.
(Press release from Texas Department of Transportation)