Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a statewide electronic highway traffic and rail incident notification system for Connecticut. The service is available at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to subscribers with access to email.

"This new service allows anyone who drives or rides the rails in Connecticut -- especially our daily commuters -- to 'know before they go,'" Governor Rell said. "This new service will make our transportation system work better and allow traffic to flow more smoothly by providing 'real-time' information about congestion spots.

"When motorists know about a trouble spot in advance they can avoid it, and rail passengers will be able to factor any additional travel time into their plans," the Governor said. "Subscribers will get notice of highway incidents expected to last at least an hour, as well as updates on the incidents and notice that the roads have been cleared. Rail riders will get notice of route problems or delays.

"This service won't eliminate traffic problems, alas. But it will make them much easier to cope with," the Governor said.

The traffic e-alerts will be 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 will be generated from the DOT's New Haven Rail Operations Center and will indicate route and delay information.

"One of the most important aspects of managing congestion relates to identifying an incident, clearing the roadway, and restoring traffic flow," DOT Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II said. "When people know to stay away from a trouble spot, the delays will be shorter. I would like to thank the Legislature for their initiative and guidance in the development of this great resource for commuters." KW