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Sat Nov 21 15:48:46 PST 2009

NEWS

Intelligent Transportation System Hits Roadblock

Jared Cerullo

A program to keep a closer eye on Wichita's roads has been put on hold. The plan to put cameras along some major area roads is canceled, at least temporarily, after the state legislature detours the project. The very beginning stages of the project are already up and running, but things were supposed to hit the accelerator this month with bids going out for permanent cameras and large traffic signs along Wichita's highways For now, though, it won't happen. "We're kind of in a holding pattern on our next phase," said KDOT Spokesman Tom Hein." As it stands now, Wichita has six functioning cameras along the highway system that help dispatchers see traffic flow. Those dispatchers can program portable signs to alert drivers of trouble ahead and re-route traffic, if needed. "It's kind of a baby step for the Intelligent Traffic System that we're in right now and we had really looked forward to advancing to the next stage," Hein said. Because of the recession, the Kansas legislature has scrapped the funding for I-T-S. There is no word on when it might be re-introduced. Eventually, Hein says Wichita's I-T-S will rival the SCOUT system currently in use in Kansas City. At the push of a button, emergency officials can look in on reports of traffic trouble or accidents and immediately determine what equipment is needed and how many officer might also be needed. "For us, it's certainly a priority here in Wichita, but on a statewide basis, we see polls that say Wichita is first or second in the country for easiest commute," Hein said. "So that knocks us down a little bit in priority." With the funding put on hold for now, Hein says he hopes it's just a temporary roadblock to the progress. "We hope this is a really short term thing, but really it depends on how well the state budget picks up," he said. "Nobody has that crystal ball to say 'Ok, the budget's doing well enough' to open up bids on this project now." The project was originally approved in 2006. Those first six cameras went up in early 2008. Hein says that he hopes the project will eventually get refunded sometime next year.

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