NJDOT introduces real-time traffic technology on I-78

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Stephen Dilts today introduced the states first permanent real-time travel alert system located on I-78 between Springfield Township, Union County and Newark City, Essex County.

“Real-time traffic information will help motorists in this high volume area to make informed decisions, save time and fuel costs, and avoid congestion,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

NJDOT Statewide Traffic Operations, for the first time in New Jersey, will provide real-time travel alert technology on a permanent basis along the local and express lanes of I-78 in both directions from Route 24 in Springfield Township, Union County to the New Jersey Turnpike Interchange in Newark, Essex County. This Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) will utilize both permanent and portable variable message signs (VMS) on I-78, Route 24 and the New Jersey Turnpike in order to provide motorists with real-time updates of the estimated time it will take to traverse this section of I-78. The signs will also compare the travel time between the local and express lanes on I-78, allowing motorists to decide which roadway to travel, depending upon their destination.

On Tuesday morning, March 17, NJDOT will activate the travel alert system for eastbound I-78 traffic. The travel alert system for I-78 westbound will begin activation by the end of March. The system will utilize six total VMS, three for each direction of traffic, to provide the real-time travel alerts. The entire system cost $2.6 million to install.

“The deployment of this travel time technology will help to enhance the quality of life for New Jersey’s motoring public through reduced congestion and improved safety,” said Commissioner Dilts.

NJDOT developed and implemented a similar, temporary ITS system to provide travel time for motorists in the same location during the I-78 roadway rehabilitation project from 2006-2007. The pilot program proved successful in managing traffic operations and efficiency during construction, thus providing the groundwork for the new permanent system. Later this year, NJDOT is also planning to roll out similar permanent real-time travel alert systems on Route 4 in Bergen County and I-295 in Camden and Gloucester County.

In 2008 NJDOT introduced a number of new transportation related technologies designed to help motorists save fuel, reduce commuting times and minimize the impact of traffic incidents on New Jersey’s roadways. These technologies include the State’s new and improved 511 travel information telephone system, a new real time traffic Web site, www.511nj.org, and MyNJ511, a Personalized Traveler Service. These free services provide real time traffic and travel information to motorists seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Each one of these technologies, including the new I-78 real-time travel alert system, are coordinated through the state-of-the-art Statewide Traffic Management Center (STMC), which debuted in May 2008. The STMC enables NJDOT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the New Jersey State Police to improve their management of and response to accidents, adverse weather, special events and congestion. The 26,000 square foot facility operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week.