Skip to main content

Michigan improves real time traffic information

Michigan’s Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has revamped its online real-time traffic map, making the congestion-monitoring tool simpler, easier and faster to use. The changes allow users to see congestion levels on county roads across Oakland County, thanks to data provided by RCOC’s Faster and Safer Travel through Traffic Routing and Advanced Controls (Fast-Trac) adaptive traffic-signal system. Fast-Trac detects the volume of traffic moving in each direction at equipped intersections and uses th
June 24, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Michigan’s Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has revamped its online real-time traffic map, making the congestion-monitoring tool simpler, easier and faster to use.

The changes allow users to see congestion levels on county roads across Oakland County, thanks to data provided by RCOC’s Faster and Safer Travel through Traffic Routing and Advanced Controls (Fast-Trac) adaptive traffic-signal system. Fast-Trac detects the volume of traffic moving in each direction at equipped intersections and uses that data to determine, in real time, the most efficient timing for the traffic signal or corridor.

A cooperative agreement with the 1688 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) means the map also shows real-time traffic congestion data for MDOT freeways in the county, making it one of the few in the country that shows real-time congestion levels for both local roads and freeways. The map also provides access to MDOT freeway cameras, changeable message signs and construction project information.

“Ours was the first real-time traffic-information map for non-freeway roads in the nation when it was launched in 1999,” observed RCOC chairman Greg Jamian. “We have regularly updated it over the years as the technology has evolved.”

“Not only is our Fast-Trac system improving the safety and efficiency of our road system, it’s also providing useful travel information to motorists,” Jamian said. “This is one of the most advanced traffic signal systems in the country, and the second largest such system in North America. This type of real-time congestion information for non-freeway roads is simply not available in most of the country.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Road safety systems on show at ITS World Congress
    January 30, 2012
    A vast array of new products and systems for aiding road safety were displayed at the ITS World Congress in October. David Crawford assesses a selection of safety initiatives exhibited in Orlando. Vital roles for ITS applications in road traffic safety emerge clearly from a new report from the US Transportation Safety Advancement Group. The report has been carried out for the Next Generation 911 What's Next Forum, which is preparing the way for future development of the US national 911 emergency single call
  • Sign language reduces human error says Clearview
    September 26, 2019
    Wrong-way warning systems and advanced queue detection can help to reduce human error. They can also cut road accidents – and therefore road deaths, says Clearview Intelligence Where were nearly 1,800 deaths on the UK’s roads in 2018 – an average of five people dying each day. The largest single cause of serious injury is crashes at junctions (accounting for 33% of incidents), while the largest single cause of death was run-off road crashes (30%) “With vehicles increasingly being designed with saf
  • VMS can counter small screens’ big problems
    June 9, 2015
    Lacroix Trafic’s Steve Collins believes the improving trends in road safety could go into reverse unless authorities make full use of the latest LED technology to meet drivers’ information needs. Road authorities and vehicles manufacturers could and should be far more active in countering some of the transportation industry’s major problems, according to Steve Collins export sales director at Lacroix Trafic.
  • 3M and Michigan DOT partner on connected work zone
    May 23, 2017
    Michigan DoT is partnering with 3M to utilise connected vehicle technologies