[pulpfiction]

CT has finally joined the 21st century and installed USEFUL variable-message-system signs on its highways.

So instead of the usual..and useless.. 'DELAY 3 MILES: EXITS 27-29' sign, you'll see 'I-84: 3 miles, 10 minutes' when approaching the 91-84 interchange, for example.

About time!

[SeaDoo342]

Nice! The signs I think are still a distraction....everyone's got to slam on their brakes to read it.. so annoying!

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by SeaDoo342

Nice! The signs I think are still a distraction....everyone's got to slam on their brakes to read it.. so annoying!

Agreed. A few times in Stratford I actually saw a backup just for the sign - that announced a backup 5-10 miles later.

[NewJeffCT]

I've been seeing them for a while now - I'll get the message that the bridge on 95 that goes from Old Saybrook to Old Lyme has an accident or, just after that, there is construction near Exit 71 in East Lyme. Pretty useful, as that allows me to get off at Exit 70 in Old Lyme and take back roads home rather than sitting in traffic (it's about 4 miles of highway from Exit 70 t Exit 71) for 20-30 minutes.

[pulpfiction]

That kind has been around forever.

They inform you of a delay/incident....but one has no idea the degree to which they'll be delayed.

I've seen signs advising of a delay where it took perhaps an additional minute or two...hardly worth utilizing an alternate route. But by informing me of travel times, I can decide whether to deal with only a few minutes of delays coming out of West Hartford, or loop around via Route 9 (longer by approx 10 miles).

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

I've been seeing them for a while now - I'll get the message that the bridge on 95 that goes from Old Saybrook to Old Lyme has an accident or, just after that, there is construction near Exit 71 in East Lyme. Pretty useful, as that allows me to get off at Exit 70 in Old Lyme and take back roads home rather than sitting in traffic (it's about 4 miles of highway from Exit 70 t Exit 71) for 20-30 minutes.

[nep321]

I first saw one on I-95 the other day. For some reason though, the signs are pretty old and rusted looking, but whatever.

I haven't noticed anyone slowing down to read it though....that would be stupid.

But if you think about it, those signs are kind of pointless, because I could just use GPS on my phone, which always has the most accurate time.

[7 Wishes]

Haven't seen them yet (most of the week I'm now in Danbury and most of my commute is up I-684 in NY), but hope to soon, maybe today when I'm in Norwalk. Thanks for noting!

[JayCT]

The reason that CTDOT is now able to post travel times is that they now are able to monitor Bluetooth signals. The technology can tell them how long it took vehicles to get from Point A to Point B so they can now use that to inform drivers. This technology has been around a while and has been used in other states for years but Connecticut has been slow to embrace it for a number of reasons including cost and reliability. The system is sufficently mature now and more reasonably priced. I am glad to see people liking it (and no, I do not work for CTDOT or am involved in this service). Jay

[pulpfiction]

For those who haven't seen them yet, here's an example (in metro Chicago):

[pulpfiction]

I know this blows your mind and all.........but you're really not supposed to be playing with your phone while driving. By the way, what happens if you encounter a 'dead zone' or if your phone's charge runs out?

Originally Posted by nep321

I first saw one on I-95 the other day. For some reason though, the signs are pretty old and rusted looking, but whatever.

I haven't noticed anyone slowing down to read it though....that would be stupid.

But if you think about it, those signs are kind of pointless, because I could just use GPS on my phone, which always has the most accurate time.