ODOT installing Intelligent Transportation System to help drivers beat the traffic

AKRON, Ohio - In the wake of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s funding crisis, an issue that may delay road expansion projects, District 4 which includes Akron is in the process of installing the Intelligent Transportation System, technology designed to help drivers beat the traffic.

The system includes road cameras, electronic information signs, traffic sensors and highway advisory radio all maintained by ODOT in Columbus. The goal is to keep drivers informed about accidents and roadblocks ahead in their commute.

84 cameras and 18 message signs are almost all nearly installed through the Akron metro area.

The $18.4 million dollar project is already budgeted for and ODOT admits the technology may be the cheaper alternative to growing congestion, with funds tight for road expansion.

Despite its potential, ODOT District 4 Public Information System Justin Chesnic admited the system isn't perfect, “We have had some people complaining about the signs saying exit numbers instead of street names and we're working on correcting those.”

He added, “Some of the street names are just too big so we'll leave those with exit numbers on them.”

The entire Intelligent Transportation System is set for completion by early summer.