December 16, 2003Traveler Info KiosksTDOT's information technology team designed the ATM-size computers. Timely information available to travelers Beginning today, the Smith County welcome center along Interstate 40 east of Nashville will offer new information updates, including weather, traffic, road construction, state parks and local tourist events. The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to unveil its first GoSmart kiosk at 11 a.m. TDOT's information technology team designed the ATM-size computers. They were inspired by the department's popular interstate cameras, which show current interstate road and traffic conditions on the Internet. ''It was so helpful to people, we started thinking, 'How can we get more immediate information to drivers?' '' said Kim Keelor, TDOT's public information officer. The answer was the GoSmart kiosks, which cost about $7,000 each. Officials chose to launch the kiosk program in Smith County because it has the state's busiest welcome center, with about 2 million visitors a year. After a trial period of about six months, TDOT will expand the service, localizing some information, such as area festivals. Motorists will also have the opportunity to check on weather and road conditions in other Tennessee cities. Details of the system are being refined, based on public reaction. ''We will use the information we gain about how TDOT GoSmart is working here to finalize plans for our other 12 welcome centers,'' said Judy Steele, director of TDOT's community relations division, said in a news release. Motorists can share their opinions and ideas on GoSmart at the Smith County welcome center. The screens are being shared by TDOT, the state Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Conservation. The screens will eventually include information on the nationwide Amber Alert system for missing children. For a look at TDOT's new GoSmart welcome center kiosk, visit www.tennessee.gov/tdot after 11:30 a.m. Story |