Detroit Gets Video Network For Traffic Information, Highway SafetyDetroit Gets Video Network For Traffic Information, Highway Safety

It may get a little easier to drive in Detroit, thanks to a statewide traffic video network announced this week.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced an agreement with TrafficLand to improve traveler information, public safety, and DOT operations.

TrafficLand has installed equipment to upload video and integrate 162 traffic cameras in the Detroit metropolitan area. The company said it is hosting the network video in a tier 1 data center so any Michigan DOT operation center or public safety agency across the state can access information.

"Public-private partnerships enhance our existing programs for delivering real-time information to the public and our key agency partners," Greg Krueger, ITS program manager for Michigan's DOT, said in a news announcement. "This agreement will improve safety and promote mobility on our vast network."

Detroit's cameras are located along Interstates 275, 695, 75, 94, and 96, and along State Routes 10, 39 and 59. The state plans to add cameras in other areas, including Grand Rapids.

The company will feed video to the state's DOT Web site and to TrafficLand.com. There, drivers, transportation workers, police, and emergency workers can get views and information from more than 6,000 traffic cameras, in more than 60 markets worldwide. The system also is available to media.

Lawrence Nelson, founder and CEO of TrafficLand, said the company was happy to increase live video access for commuters and first responders in Michigan.

"From fender benders to emergency situations, greater access to traffic cameras can help the driving public make more informed travel decisions, and improve emergency response outcomes," he said in a prepared statement.