AUSTIN -- Austin traffic can be a challenge.
“It's terrible," said Jennie Wilson.
Nick Moore avoids it.
“I don't come down here (downtown) mostly because of the traffic,” said Moore.
The City of Austin is trying to ease its traffic troubles with new technology and real-time travel information. It's part of a $1 million federal grant. The money is being used to install electronic signs around Austin. For example, the signs will alert motorists to accidents and suggest detours.
“They [signs] give notification to motorists of road closures, special events, travel time, and congestion ahead that sort of thing,” said Brian Craig, an Austin traffic engineer.
The engineers will monitor city intersections from a downtown control center. When they see a problem, they will be able to instantly send messages to any of the 13 signs notifying drivers of delays and alternate routes.
“As soon as we push out a message, it will be out there,” said Craig.
Workers will install 13 electronic signs around Austin. One will be located east of I-35. The other 12 will be west of the Interstate. Seven will be positioned around downtown near heavily-traveled intersections. Three will be located south of the river and two will be placed up north.
So far the city has installed two of the electronic signs -- one on Guadalupe near 13th Street. The other is on Cesar Chavez near Lamar.
Drivers say anything that can help relieve gridlock is welcome.
“All it's going to do is help,” said Moore.
“Any information you can get about traffic will be helpful,” said Eric Schneider.
The city will install the remaining 11 signs by the end of the year. All will be up and running by the end March.
