West Viriginia to debut statewide ITS-based traffic alert system

The West Virginia Department of Transportation announced Monday that it would be implementing a new real-time traffic information system statewide based on the state’s intelligent transportation system. Department officials hope to have the new 511 system online by Nov. 1.

Motorists will be able to access traffic information through a number of platforms: a new website will provide access to real-time congestion information, weather maps and live radar; travelers can get the same information on their smartphones, with real-time text-to-voice notifications based on the phone’s GPS location. Drivers will also be able to call a regular 511 phone line.   

West Virginia’s ITS system has been in place since 2008, but it is set to be the first state to tie the technology into a statewide 511 system. Pennsylvania is also scheduled to launch a similar system this year.