NYSDOT and Time Warner announce new traffic channel

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn yesterday announced the launch of a new traffic channel on Time Warner Digital Cable. "Traffic Now," on digital channel 511, shows real-time images from NYSDOT cameras at 16 high-traffic locations throughout the Capital District in a continuous loop, providing viewers with public access to instant traffic information.

"We are pleased to partner with Time Warner Cable in the Capital District to be one of the first in the nation to provide the public with a dedicated traffic information channel," Glynn said. "Under the leadership of Governor Eliot Spitzer, the department continues to apply state-of-the-art technology in innovative ways, with the goal of improving transportation operations and safety for all motorists in New York State."

Programming on "Traffic Now" consists of continuous live feeds from up to 16 NYSDOT traffic cameras located strategically throughout the Capital District. Views change from camera to camera every eight seconds. The channel is currently available to 135,000 digital subscribers in the Capital District, as far west as Herkimer County, north to Essex County, and to Berkshire County and Northern Columbia County along the New York/Vermont border. NYSDOT will continue to work with Time Warner Cable to enhance the travel information offerings and distribution capabilities of its system.

Mark Loreno, acting president for Time Warner Cable’s Albany Division, said "Time Warner Cable is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with New York State on this unique initiative. Channel 511 provides a convenient destination for Digital Cable customers to get current traffic information when they need it."

This service is part of the department’s overall initiative to bring more live travel information to the public. It is in addition to NYSDOT’s travel website, www.travelinfony.com, which provides up-to-the-minute information on traffic conditions, congestion, accident locations, road closures, detours and weather.

Development of "Traffic Now" comes as NYSDOT prepares for the statewide deployment of a 511 Travel Information Service. When complete, New York’s 511 program will distribute travel information to the public via telephone and other electronic means, including e-mail, Internet, hand held/mobile devices and in-vehicle devices.