WSDOT goes to "the cloud" to keep us informed in winter

From Washington State Department of Transportation

Knowing that the Washington State Department of Transportation website is in highest demand during snow, ice, floods and windstorms, WSDOT technical staff is in the final stages of testing a solution to keep traffic images online during peak demand.

“Our website is the first and best source for highway information,” said Jeremy Bertrand, WSDOT social media manager. “Drivers expect timely information all the time and they really expect us to perform when Mother Nature is at her worst.”

To make that happen, WSDOT will make traffic flow maps and camera and mountain pass snapshots available via the cloud.

For 24 hours, from 1pm Oct. 10 to 1pm Oct. 11, information technology teams will run the final test.

“We chose Oct.11, 2012, because we are two weeks out from the traditional start of winter operations; plus 10-11-12 is cool,” said Chuck Dorsett, Infrastructure Server Manager.

To learn more about what WSDOT is doing and the data behind the plan, check out the blog. Real time traffic information is available here or by dialing 5-1-1.