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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How accurate are the speeds and hourly traffic volumes?
    Traffic speeds are very accurate down to about 5 mph, as they are obtained by radar. 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.

    The hourly traffic volumes that are shown are close but not as accurate as the speed data. 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. Still, the numbers at the Birch Point Road radar location are relatively close to numbers being generated by a permanent traffic counter installed near Wiscasset Ford. We will use the permanent traffic counter numbers for data evaluation purposes.
  • 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”.
  • How are major and minor traffic delays defined?
    Right now, the Radio Room operator determines whether a travel delay is major or minor. As data is collected and analyzed, we expect that we will be better able to establish set parameters. We already know for instance that once northbound speeds at Birch Point Road are reduced to 25 mph, there is usually a lengthy delay.
  • Can we obtain copies of web cam photos or video?
    Photographic information is not stored, so it is not available.
  • Why isn’t the speed and traffic volume data posted?
    We expect to begin posting system operational data, likely in a weekly then monthly chart format, beginning sometime in August.
  • I want to analyze the data – how can I obtain it?
    We are collecting a lot of data that will need to be summarized in order to be useful, so we first need to determine how best to do that. Data will be available on request once we have established suitable formats to provide it, but likely not before sometime in August.
  • How can I most effectively use this information?
    Prospective travelers should call 511 or check the 511 web site for travel advisories along major routes in Maine. They can also go to the www.mainedot.gov page for this information.
  • 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 serves two purposes – the most important of which is to inform oncoming traffic that vehicles ahead are stopped. Secondarily, its purpose is to inform them that travel speeds ahead are reduced.
  • Will the Traveler Information System be expanded?
    MaineDOT has no plans at present to expand this system beyond Wiscasset and Edgecomb. Though we see a need for variable message signs located strategically along major highways for safety and security purposes, emerging technology may provide a less costly approach to providing traveler advisories. For instance, GPS units in vehicles can now connect to fee-based travel advisory services. This is but one method that may be utilized in the future.
  • Will the system give me an alternate route if Route 1 is congested?
    No, MaineDOT will not provide alternate routes. Our intent is to provide the traveling public with information from which they can make their decisions. When a travel delay is reported, some will seek alternative modes of transportation where available, delay their trip, stop along the way, seek another route, or simply continue along with the knowledge that their trip may take longer than expected.
  • How will system performance be measured?
    Traffic volume data will be collected in Wiscasset and at other key locations. Additionally, we will try to determine the public’s perception of the system. A report summarizing the traffic volumes, average vehicle speeds and the occurrences and durations of the delay advisories will be published by year’s end.