New ITD mobile app will help drivers plan ahead during I-15 construction
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department.
POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department has released a free mobile app to help travelers plan ahead during ongoing construction on Interstate 15 in eastern Idaho. The app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play.
The app shows current travel times on I-15 between Utah and Montana, U.S. 91 from Chubbuck to Idaho Falls and U.S. 20 from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone. The App also provides estimated travel times and an option to sign up for construction alerts.
Information in the app is based on real-time traffic data collected through Bluetooth sensors on I-15, U.S. 20 and U.S. 91. Earlier this year, ITD placed 61 sensors along the three eastern Idaho routes. Each sensor detects when a Bluetooth device crosses its path. Once the Bluetooth device reaches the next sensor, ITD logs the travel time between the two points. The process happens without collecting personal data. Click here for more information.
“The technology enables us to reliably predict times of the week with heavy traffic volumes,” said ITD District 5 Engineering Manager Dan Harelson. “For example, traffic tends to peak on Thursday and Friday afternoons and mid-day Saturday. From Sunday to Wednesday, traffic delays are limited to a few minutes except for the afternoon rush hour.”
“The new mobile app allows us to share this information more widely with the traveling public,” said Harelson.
ITD has worked with hundreds of businesses and organizations in eastern Idaho to prepare for construction on I-15. Over the next several years, ITD plans to resurface deteriorated pavement and repair numerous bridges on I-15 between the Utah and Montana borders.
“This technology and its information provided by ITD will assist not only our members but also the tour operators to plan ahead for possible construction delays,” said Tom Walsh, Chairman of the Yellowstone-Teton Territory tourism organization. “The mobile app will be an extremely helpful tool for both residents and out-of-state travelers.”
The department also sends regular emails that are forwarded to customers, vendors and shipping operators throughout the region. To sign up for ITD’s construction emails, text INTERSTATE15 to 22828.