TDOT launches Web-based mapping system

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation has launched a Web-based mapping system that allows motorists to see real-time road conditions from any computer with an Internet connection.

The SmartWay mapping program allows motorists to log on and receive up-to-the-minute information about everything from lane closures to traffic accidents statewide.

“The most exciting feature is the fact that you can now go to a specific city or location and find individual roadways and find the condition for that roadway,” said Kim Keelor, TDOT spokeswoman.

The Web site is updated from field locations all over Tennessee, 24 hours a day, she said.

The new system will alert visitors to ongoing construction projects, as well as the times those projects go on hiatus, such as this holiday weekend.

The system also will show flooded areas.

“It is a much more sophisticated map that can provide specific road condition information like we were never able to do before, plus it is now easier and faster to use,” said Gerald Nicely, TDOT commissioner.