Web Help: Traffic FAQ

See also:

• Traffic Info Help

1. What Roadways are covered by 511 Tampa Bay?
2. What is a segment?
3. Why are roadways divided into segments?
4. Why do some roadway segments display speed values and others don't?
5. How can I tell which roads have sensors?
6. What are incidents?
7. How are incidents tracked?
8. Can there be a delay without an incident?
9. What are the congestion categories?
10. Where does the traffic information come from?
11. What are the telephone shortcuts listed on the segments page?
12. Why can't I view the map?
13. Are the camera images live?
14. Why can't I view the camera images?
15. Can I report traffic information if I wish?

1. What Roadways are covered by 511 Tampa Bay?

For a list of all roadways covered, go to: roadways page

These roadways were identified as the most heavily traveled in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.

2. What is a segment?

The roadways covered by 511 Tampa Bay are divided into segments. Segments are pre-defined portions of the roadways, defined by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Segment start and end points are defined on specific segment pages. Only segments with incidents will show up on the initial traffic page.

To view a list of all segments for a particular roadway, go the roadways page, and click on a roadway.

3. Why are roadways divided into segments?

Dividing roadways into defined segments was convenient for tracking incidents and traffic problems.

4. Why do some roadway segments display speed values and others don't?

The segments that display traffic flow and travel times are monitored with automatic sensors that monitor the speed and volume of traffic. Those segments that do not display travel times are monitored by traditional manual information gathering methods.

Using the data collected by our roadside sensors, we can calculate average speed, drive times, and determine if there is a delay on that segment. We use this information to determine if traffic flow is clear, moderate or heavy.

5. How can I tell which roads have sensors?

The roadways with sensors will have average speeds and their segments will display travel times, average speed, and delays.

6. What are incidents?

Incidents represent anything that occurs on a road or is connected with event venues and transit locations that we monitor. Incidents usually have an impact on traffic congestion or travel conditions. Sometimes incidents are simply information that you might find relevant while traveling such as planned construction or community events.

7. How are incidents tracked?

Our operations staff utilizes many information-gathering resources to track incidents — including official police, fire and agency sources, cameras, airborne reporters, mobile units and calls from travelers. Every effort is made to keep our information as current as possible. All incidents are monitored on a continuous basis, and a system is in place to warn the staff whenever information is more than a few minutes old and in need of review.

8. Can there be a delay without an incident?

Yes. Delays can also be caused by events, construction advisories, and alerts. Delays can also be occasioned by major traffic volume.

9. What are the congestion categories?

The traffic flow values represented on the map are based on the average speed of traffic. Our color values are:

• Green - Free flow is 40 mph or above.
• Yellow - Sluggish is between 20 and 40 mph.
• Red - Slow traffic is below 20 mph.

These color values are based on the standard color scheme.

10. Where does the traffic information come from?

Traffic information is gathered using many methods. For roadways that are monitored using roadside traffic sensors, data is received every 60 seconds.

We also have traffic operations centers staff who monitor and report traffic conditions around the clock. Staff at these centers stay in touch with police and transportation officials, monitor official communications, drive the roads, and operate aircraft in order to stay on top of road conditions.

The information in our reports is monitored and maintained by a vigilant, professional staff, utilizing comprehensive, state of the art systems that provide the most up-to-date reports possible.

11. What are the telephone shortcuts listed on the segments page?

Shortcuts are phrases and keypad entries that allow you to access exactly the information that you want quickly when using the 511 Tampa Bay telephone service. It's not necessary to use shortcuts to get traffic information, but if you use the system it can accelerate receipt of your report. A complete list of roads, segments and shortcuts can be found here.

12. Why can't I view the map?

Viewing the traffic map requires the Macromedia Flash Player. If you cannot view the map on the main page, you may have to download and install the Macromedia Flash Player. It's free, quick and easy to do. However, if you'd rather not install the player, all the information we provide is available through the Traffic, Buses and Trains, Airports and Seaports, and Events pages.

13. Are the camera images live?

The cameras page displays thumbnail images from the first frame of the current clip for each camera. Camera video clips are 10-seconds long and never more than two minutes old.

14. Why can't I view the camera images?

The Macromedia Flash plug in is required for viewing video clips. If you don't have it installed you will be prompted to do so.

15. Can I report traffic information if I wish?

You can report traffic information in the Tampa Bay area by calling (813) 637-0700.