You’ve no doubt noticed the changes while traveling along Interstate 565 recently. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has installed overhead message boards on the highway in Madison and Limestone counties.
Similar to interstate signs in other Alabama cities such as Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile, the boards relay critical real-time information to drivers.
Signs have been installed above eastbound lanes of I-565 between Greenbrier Road and County Line Road in Limestone County and between Jordan Lane and Memorial Parkway in Madison County. A third sign is planned for westbound traffic approaching Jordan Lane.
The signs are part of ALDOT’s $5.2 million advanced corridor management project on I-565 that also includes placement of 10 additional traffic cameras and two weather stations for monitoring conditions and aiding traffic flow.
Knowing what’s ahead
algotraffic.com/Cameras , provide more perspectives on traffic flow that can be used to inform drivers via the message boards.
Add it all together and the advances create safer driving conditions.
“The chief purpose is for roadway information when there is some sort of severe event,” ALDOT Spokesperson Seth Burkett said. “Every minute that traffic is backing up, you’re increasing the likelihood of having a secondary event. So, if we can let motorists know what’s going on down the road, they’re better prepared.”
Not only can the message boards alert drivers about incidents, specific information on which lanes are closed or alternate routes to avoid the incident can be included as well.
“If we propose a detour, then that can help cut down on the amount of traffic that’s backed up and reduce the possibility of a secondary event occurring,” Burkett said.
Prioritizing safety
Prioritizing road safety is a point of emphasis for the City of Huntsville. The City has established a goal through the Vision Zero program to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2055 and the overhead message boards enhance that objective.
“The new digital message boards on I-565 ( or any future additional message boards) will play a crucial role in enhancing road safety by providing real-time, accurate information to drivers,” Huntsville Director of Traffic Engineering Nicholas Nene said. “With the ability to update instantly, these boards offer timely updates on traffic conditions, accidents, weather, and upcoming events, allowing drivers to adjust their behavior accordingly.
“This proactive communication directly supports the City’s Vision Zero objectives by helping to prevent accidents, reduce congestion, and improve overall safety.”
