CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT 06131-7546
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CONNECTICUT DOT TRAFFIC "E-ALERT" SYSTEM

WINS NATIONAL WEBSITE AWARD

Connecticut Receives “2005 Innovative Traveler” Award From Federal Highway Administration

            The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, presented Connecticut with its 2005 “Innovative Traveler Information Website Design” award on Monday, September 19, 2005.

          Acting Federal Highways Administrator J. Richard Capka presented Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II with the award at the annual meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The award states in part, “To provide better traveler information, Connecticut’s DOT developed an e-mail alert system to maximize the timely delivery of multi-modal information to travelers. Customers can register online to receive incident and delay information to avoid costly delays.”

          The Connecticut DOT developed the system at no cost, a factor cited by the Federal Highway Administration in making the award.

In March, 2005, the Connecticut DOT launched its “e-alert” system, a statewide electronic rail and highway traffic incident notification system for

the State of Connecticut.  The service is available at no cost 24 hours a day, seven days a week to subscribers with access to electronic mail. The system has received more than 6,500 registrations in its first six months.

             "Improving our transportation system and traffic flow requires a comprehensive approach that involves the provision of real-time commuter information," Commissioner Korta said. "I am pleased about this recognition of our program, but the real benefit is that so many people are using the e-alert system.”

          Notices of significant highway incidents expected to last at least an hour are e-mailed to subscribers.  Incident updates and notification when an incident has been cleared are also be provided to subscribers.  The traffic e-alerts are generated from the DOT's Highway Operations Centers in Newington and Bridgeport which monitor approximately 240 highway cameras at key locations in Connecticut. The rail e-alerts are generated from the DOT's New Haven Rail Operations Center and indicate route and delay information.