ALDOT digital message boards, I-65 in Montgomery show drive times

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The Alabama Department of Transportation's 7 overhead message boards have been installed and now will feature drive times to help with motorists commutes.

The high-tech digital boards also display messages ranging from Amber Alerts to weather-related situations.

Chris Hilyer says it's the sign of the times. The population has grown in Montgomery which means more traffic.

Hilyer says the state is splitting the $2 million cost with the federal government for the boards, making Montgomery the 4th city in the state to get the digital boards.

"There is no question the population has grown outside of Montgomery in the Autauga and Elmore County areas," said Hilyer who is the 6th Division Operations Manager for the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Coming from Birmingham the first board will be installed near the Pine Level exit in Autauga County, another one at Interstate 65 and Highway 14 and a third one at Cobbs Ford Road and Interstate 65 in Prattville.

Farther down the interstate the plan is to put one near Gateway Park and Interstate 65 and one near Hyundai.

DOT says there will be 7 message boards and for now only along Interstate 65 South.

"The main reason is resources but I'm certain within 10 years we'll have some along Interstate 85 as well," said Hilyer.

In recent months the state has laid the infrastructure for the message boards such as the tall, communications pole at Cobbs Ford and 65.

The 7 boards are expected to up by March 2014.

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