CDOT to expand trip travel time messages on electronic signs in metro area

DENVER METRO—Starting tomorrow, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will expand its travel time information by displaying travel time data on 6th Avenue in an effort to provide improved traveler information to motorists. The system uses existing electronic message boards to post estimated travel times to specific destinations.

CDOT has been displaying travel time data on the electronic signs located on the I-70 west mountain corridor for several years with much success and on C-470.

CDOT will display travel times on three electronic message signs located on 6th Avenue. The westbound 6th Avenue sign at Sheridan Blvd. will provide information on travel time to Kipling, Simms and I-70. The eastbound 6th Avenue sign at Wadsworth Blvd. will provide travel times to Federal Blvd., I-25/Alameda and I25/Colfax. The eastbound 6th Avenue sign at Union will provide the travel time to Wadsworth, Sheridan and I-25.

The system collects data from speed input devices including ramp meters, side-fire speed sensors and toll transponders. CDOT does not have access to any personal or identifying information on a vehicle and information is deleted from the system within two hours. Speed, volume, and road segment travel data is calculated and the estimated travel time between two points is then posted on an electronic message sign. A travel time message will display a destination or highway exit, along with the current estimated time it is taking for vehicles traveling at actual speed up to the speed limit to get to that destination.

Travel times are not predictive but provide a snapshot of current highway traffic and conditions. Travel time messages and information will not be available during times traffic is stopped or a major incident results in a highway closure.