Wireless Internet service no longer available at rest areas
Wireless Internet access is no longer available at Washington’s wireless highway safety rest areas due to a lack of consistent subscribers.
Why did WSDOT provide Internet access at rest areas?
WSDOT was attracted to Wi-Fi because of how it fit in with the agency’s safety objectives. Washington State has some of the lowest traffic fatality percentages in the nation, yet hundreds of accidents occur each year on state highways due to road fatigue.
How was WSDOT able to provide this service?
The system was a partnership with Parsons Transportation Group and Road Connect Inc., with WSDOT sharing a portion of the revenue generated by subscriptions.
Who paid for the equipment and installation at the rest areas?
The system was paid for solely by Parsons and Road Connect.
Why is the service no longer available?
The lack of revenue generated from subscriptions prompted the two companies to discontinue the service effective Sept. 1. Internet access is readily available on cell phones and other wireless devices across Washington. The number of subscribers didn’t meet up to projected use estimates.
What will happen to the equipment?
The terms of the contract amendment with Parsons and Road Connect enables WSDOT to take ownership of the system hardware. WSDOT is looking into how it might use the system in the future to provide electronic messaging at rest areas for road conditions and travel alerts.
How do I get road conditions and travel information while I’m on the road?
Wireless Devices
Drivers with web service on their PDAs and cellular phones can access www.wsdot.wa.gov/small. This site offers information formatted for your small-screen device on Seattle traffic, ferry schedules and mountain pass reports.
On Your Phone
Real time traffic and weather information is available by simply dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. Updated every few minutes, 5-1-1 provides updated traffic and travel information and mountain pass reports.
In Your Vehicle
Our highway message signs and advisory radio offer specific location-based information. It’s a good idea to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio
Where do I go for more information?
WSDOT provides real time travel information and updated road conditions on its web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic
For more information, please contact Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications Office at (360) 705-7078.