Travel Time Information System | Ver-Mac

What is a Travel Time Information System?

A travel time, delay time and alternate route system informs motorists of delays and helps them make alternate route decisions. It also contributes to preventing unexpected backups and potential rear-end collisions.

The system works by providing real-time information on traffic conditions and travel times between the driver’s location and a downstream destination.

Travel time information system
Time to I-895 tunnel

How Does a Travel Time Information and Alternate Route System Work?

Traffic flow data from 3rd parties such as Google and HERE, Ver-Mac traffic sensors or a combination of both, is continuously collected and analyzed through JamLogic to provide real-time information to motorists.

Information is published via message signs along the road leading up to the work zone or congested area. Alternate route suggestions can be given before key decision points, allowing motorists to decide if they want to take a different route. This causes a natural load balancing over the area-wide roadway network, thus alleviating traffic. 
 

Applications

The Travel Time and Alternate Route system is typically used in the following applications:

  • Highway paving and bridge closures
  • Short-term maintenance lane closures
  • Long-term lane closures where existing roadway capacity is reduced due to construction    
  • Exit ramp queueing onto the highway
  • Backups due to special events
  • Weather warning systems
     

What Are the Benefits of Using a Travel Time Information System in Work Zones?

Safety

    • Increased safety for work zone personnel, emergency responders and motorists
    • Less road rage/drivers better informed
       

Increased Mobility

    • Overall road network balancing
    • Reduced delays
    • Reduced queue lengths
    • Alleviated congestion

    A study by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) concluded to a significant improvement in mobility where travel time information systems were in place, showing an average of up to 52 percent traffic volume reduction.

Ease of Use

    The use of real-time 3rd party traffic probe data allows our Travel Time Information System to be quickly added or deployed by simply using automated portable message signs.  

     

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Time Information Systems

Can a Travel Time Information System provide real-time updates on travel times and delays?

Through real-time data collection and analysis, travel times and delays are automatically published on message signs along the road. Messages are continuously updated to be timely and accurate.

Can Travel Time Information Systems be customized to specific routes or work zones?

Yes, Ver-Mac’s system is scalable and can be adapted to routes and work zones of all sizes. Messages can be customized to transmit route and destination-specific information.

How can the information provided by the system be used to improve traffic flow and safety in work zones?

Being informed in advance helps motorists make the best route choice before reaching a congested area, thus improving system-wide mobility. The system also provides comparable times for alternate routes, when they are available, so motorists can plan ahead and take the route that best suits their needs. Informed drivers are less likely to complain to owner agencies and experience road rage related to unknown conditions.

Can the system be integrated with other traffic management systems or technologies?

Our travel/delay time and alternate route systems can supplement existing permanent ITS travel time systems and signage and add granularity where needed. This system can also temporarily replace permanent infrastructure while it is being repaired. 
In addition, our JamLogic software can provide the associated information to a DOTs’ ATMS TMC systems in the latest WZDx format and even send real-time automated eAlerts via text (SMS) and/or email to any valid address.