MDOT Goes Mobile With Traffic Data

We all know having access to real-time information is essential, especially with Livingston County highways recent spate of snarls thanks to summertime construction — such as the on-going single-lane closures of U.S. 23 at Hyne Road or at 8 Mile Road.

So, now only days after the state has in this area, MDOT announced Thursday it has a new mobile web interface to its popular traffic data website — www.michigan.gov/drive.

I tried it out Friday and while I think the map operates somewhat clumsy, once you find  information, especially the highway speeds, I think could be useful. It's similar to what's offered on other traffic websites, such as AOL's traffic reports. (Patch, BTW, is owned by AOL). I found it just as accurate as others as I used it to navigate my wife and I around construction via a laptop and a wireless hot spot Sunday. (Yes, she was driving).

Any mobile device can access the version, including Droid iPhone, Blackberry, according to an MDOT news release.

Features, according to release, include:

• Mapped lane closures on state trunklines (U.S., Interstate and M routes) that can be searched by route or county, real-time color-coded views of traffic flow and speeds.
• Interactive map that allows users to easily zoom into a specific location.
• Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids traffic camera views.
• Road camera views from the Upper Peninsula.
• Traffic alerts for Detroit and Grand Rapids.
• Statewide weather information.
• A tool for motorists to report potholes on state trunklines.
• Links to MDOT's main Web site and social media sites for more information.

MDOT funded the new feature, along with other updates to the main Drive site, with $250,000 in federal seat belt funding.