Wiscasset Traveler Information System

Phase I of the pilot project would use human detection of significant traffic delays. Phase I of the Pilot Project was implemented in the late summer of 2008 and has been completed.

U.S. Route 1 in the Towns of Wiscasset and Edgecomb have experienced extended travel delays during summer months for many years. MaineDOT continues to work with the Towns and other adjacent communities on non-bypass solutions to reduce travel delays, including installation of a travel delay advisory system.

The following Manual Operations were conducted for the first phase:

• MaineDOT met with and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives from the Town of Wiscasset and Lincoln County law enforcement and emergency services. It was agreed that law enforcement officials would contact the Lincoln County Communications Center (LCCC) when Route 1 northbound traffic backed up from the Wiscasset Village area to Birch Point Road, located about one mile south of Route 27, and again when the traffic back-up had reduced to Holbrook Pond, located about 0.5 miles south of Route 27. Upon notification from the LCCC, MaineDOT posted a message (WISCASSET-EXPECT-DELAYS) at a Variable Message Sign (VMS) located at I-295 mile marker 25 located about 3 miles south of the Brunswick Route 1 northbound exit and also to its http://www.511maine.gov/ travel conditions internet web site. Upon second notification from the LCCC, MaineDOT deactivated the messages.
• MaineDOT also met or communicated with the Boothbay Harbor Region, Damariscotta Region and Southern Mid-coast Regional Chambers of Commerce to obtain their input and for them to inform their members.
• A news release explaining the system was issued.
• The pilot project ran from August 28 through October 15, 2008. The system was activated three times:
  • August 28 – about 2 hours
  • August 29 – 3.15 hours
  • September 16 – 1.67 hours
• Only one complaint was received during Phase I pilot project operations. It was later determined to be a one-hour delay for Route 1 southbound traffic in Edgecomb due to a 5-vehicle collision. Note that the system was not monitoring southbound traffic in Edgecomb.

Phase I Final Report

• Phase I Report (Word)
• Area Map (PDF)

This phase of the Traveler Information System automated the monitoring process. It provides real-time travel delay information to both northbound and southbound travelers of Route 1 in Wiscasset and Edgecomb. Phase II consists of three interlinked systems :

• Two solar powered radar speed detection installations with web cameras (to verify northbound and / or southbound travel delays), linked to the MaineDOT Radio Room.
• One permanent vehicle counting and classification station with radar speed detection.
• A safety project in Edgecomb to alert Route 1 southbound travelers of stopped traffic ahead.

Phase II Final Report

• Phase II (PDF)
• Area Map (PDF)
• Sensor Locations (PDF)

The Wiscasset Traveler Information System would not have been possible without significant participation and support from several individuals, groups, and organizations outside of MaineDOT. Our sincere appreciation is extended to:

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Mid-coast Bypass Task Force, whose members represent the following towns, county, and organizations:
  • Wiscasset
  • Edgecomb
  • Alna
  • Newcastle
  • Woolwich
  • Westport Island
  • Boothbay
  • Boothbay Harbor
  • Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce
  • Lincoln County
  • Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association
  • The Chewonki Foundation
  • Friends of Coastal Preservation
• Wiscasset Transportation Committee
• Lincoln County Sheriffs Office
• Office of Lincoln County Commissioners
• Lincoln County Emergency Management and 911 Operators
• Wiscasset Police Department
• Damariscottia Region Chamber of Commerce
• Southern Mid-coast Maine Chamber of Commerce

How accurate are the speeds and hourly traffic volumes?

• Traffic speeds are obtained by radar are very accurate down to about 5 mph. Speeds below that are not necessarily accurate, but for our purposes when speeds get that low, we already know there is significant delay. The speeds are averaged every few minutes, so there could be a momentary delay (turning vehicle, farm tractor backing traffic up, etc.) that would seem to indicate major delays – that is why visual confirmation with the web cams is made before a delay message is posted. Messages are posted when speed drop below 25 mph at the 50 mph monitoring locations.
• The hourly traffic volumes obtained by radar are not accurate and are not used. That is because they are obtained by the number of radar hits made over a 10 to 15 minute period. There is a possibility that some vehicles are “hit” by the radar more than once as they travel through the radar detection zone, for instance. We will use the permanent traffic counter numbers for data evaluation purposes. Both northbound and southbound traffic volume data are obtained from the permanent traffic counter located near Wiscasset Ford.

When are the 511 system and variable message signs activated?

• The 511 travel advisory system and the I-295 Freeport variable message sign are activated only when a major delay occurs. A major delay is symbolized by a red “I” on the web cams page. The system is not activated for minor delays, symbolized by a Yellow “I”. major delays are when speeds drop down 25 mph at the speed monitoring locations.

Can we obtain copies of web cam photos or video?

• Photographic information is not stored, so it is not available.

I want to analyze the data – how can I obtain it?

• We are collecting a lot of data so the data files are very large. Data is available on request.

Why does the web cam image appear to be frozen?

• Due to bandwidth and security limitations of the state web site, the web cam images are refreshed every few minutes.

Why is the southbound variable message sign in Edgecomb so close to Route 27?

• The Edgecomb Variable Message Sign is a stand-alone system that informs southbound traffic that vehicles ahead are stopped.

Will the Traveler Information System be expanded?

• MaineDOT expects a more robust system will develop over time.