Date:
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Contact:
Lauren Penning, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4473 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – You may not have noticed, but WSDOT’s software engineers are in the process of upgrading the computer system that controls the WSDOT traffic map, freeway cameras, ramp meters, electronic message signs and travel times.
“Our current mainframe computer is over 15 years old, and in need of an upgrade,” said WSDOT software engineer Mark Morse. “This computer was cutting edge technology when it was first used to power traveler information systems in the traffic management center. Today the computer handles eight times more data then when it was first turned on and has reached its limit.”
Over the next few months engineers will be testing a new server-based system. During these tests, traffic data will not be available between Southcenter and Factoria along I-405 on the WSDOT Web site. These sections of the color-coded traffic map on the Web will appear grey and travel times between Bellevue and Federal Way, and Bellevue and Tukwila will not be available. However, camera views on this route will still be visible.
The tests will occur:
- On intermittent weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- On intermittent weekends starting on a Friday night after the evening commute
- The tests will be delayed or rescheduled in the event of a significant traffic delay, weather event or major collision
WSDOT software engineers plan to finish testing and switch over to the new system by the first of the year.
“Drivers depend on this information to help them make informed decisions about their travel,” Morse said. “Switching over to a new system will ensure that this data remains available to drivers, and allow us to expand our flow map and add more traffic cameras in the future.”
The “Seattle area traffic page” that displays much of WSDOT’s traffic data including the color-coded traffic map receives on average about 600,000 page views per day. Drivers can view the Seattle area traffic page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/
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