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FeedAsk the Expert, March 2012: Calculating Traffic Backups
Q: How are traffic back-ups on, say, the Tappan Zee Bridge calculated?
A: “News 12 Traffic and Weather can determine how long a delay is in any location by calculating speeds in-house and by applying external information,” says Pete Shields, executive producer of News 12 Traffic and Weather. “In-house, we look at traffic cameras and gauge the speed that the cars are traveling past a fixed point. For instance, if traffic is barely moving past a mile marker in the shot, or if traffic is backed up to certain locations like exits or the toll plaza, we can determine the delay time with a good degree of certainty. Additionally, News 12 receives travel time data externally from third-party companies. You can see that data on the traffic maps on News12.com.”
