FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 31, 2005

AMARILLO – Starting today (Wednesday, Aug. 31), traffic monitoring cameras operated by the Amarillo District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) may be accessed by anyone with a home computer.

Ten cameras, part of TxDOT’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), have been place around the district. TxDOT is providing this service to internet users to help them get a sense of how traffic is moving in certain areas around the district, especially during severe weather or other emergency situations.

These camera images are available by logging on to the main TxDOT website at www.dot.state.tx.us, clicking on “road conditions,” then clicking on the “Amarillo” link below the heading “Traffic Management System.” This link takes the viewer to the PEGASIS website operated by the Amarillo District of TxDOT. From this website, viewers may access the camera page by clicking on “dial-up” or “broadband,” depending on their individual internet connection speed. By clicking on a specific camera site, the viewer can see how traffic is moving in a particular area, or if weather is adversely affecting traffic. This information is intended to assist motorists in making informed and safe travel plans.

The cameras show a new image every two seconds on a broadband connection. Dial-up users must use their refresh key each time they wish to see a new image. TxDOT has the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom-in-or-out the images on the cameras through a remote-operated system at the Amarillo District office. Internet users will not be able to manipulate the camera angles themselves. The camera system is still in the developmental stage, and users may experience minor technical problems periodically.

The PEGASIS website, which stands for Panhandle Electronic Guidance and Safety Information System, is part of a multi-phase project to keep travelers and TxDOT maintenance crews better informed of changing weather and other emergency situations. The site also includes links to various state and local law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security, NOAA weather information, traffic safety information, and the National Amber Alert System.

For more information, call Paul Braun, 806/356-3256, or 806/570-6301.