Motorists to get a real-time look at Hwy. 59 traffic

Photo by John Rigg

Traf-Tex is expected to begin installation of traffic cameras in the spring, and work is expected to wrap up by summer 2015 when the cameras are integrated into Houston Transtar's system.

The Texas Transportation Commission awarded a $697,000 contract to Houston-based traffic systems specialist Traf-Tex in December for the installation of close-circuit cameras along Hwy. 59 between Hwy. 6 and the Grand Parkway.

Traf-Tex is expected to begin installation of the cameras in the spring, and work is expected to wrap up by summer 2015 when the cameras are integrated into Houston Transtar's system, said Jennifer Solis, public information officer with TxDOT.

Once installed, the cameras will be part of the Texas Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation System, or ITS, networka system that provides motorists with real-time traffic conditions on more than 850 miles of freeways and managed lanes statewide.

"Intelligent Transportation Systems and signal improvements are other ways to get people and goods moving," Houston district engineer Mike Alford said. The ITS technology provides ways to monitor our roads, especially during emergencies and during times of inclement weather."

The installation project includes using fiber optics and close-circuit television equipment to monitor traffic conditions via Houston Transtara partnership between TxDOT, the city of Houston, METRO and Harris County. Houston Transtar currently uses nearly 700 television cameras, dynamic messaging signs and synchronized traffic signals, speed sensors and other devices to facilitate regional mobility throughout the city.

Houston Transtar's extensive network of cameras that show live-feeds of regional traffic conditions can be viewed at www.houstontranstar.org.