"These communities are leading the way by using state-of-the-art technologies to create a commute that is safer, less congested, and more convenient," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "America can't simply build our way to a more modern and efficient transportation infrastructure. These projects will show the rest of the nation that bumper-to-bumper traffic doesn't have to be the status quo."

Dallas Area Rapid Transit will receive $5.3 million of federal money toward its $8.3 million project to use a transportation management model to predict travel conditions 30 minutes into the future. This will allow diversion of traffic to other routes during freeway incidents and special events along U.S. 75. Travelers will have access to real-time information about traffic, mass transit, and expected travel times through wireless and Web-based alerts.

San Diego's Association of Governments will receive $8.7 million of federal money toward its $10.9 million project. San Diego will use ITS investments along Interstate 15 to enable a "smart" traffic management system that combines road sensors, video, and traveler information to take steps to reduce congestion. It will deliver information to commuters via the Internet and message signs, and will enable managers to adjust traffic signals and ramp meters to direct travelers to HOV lanes, HOT lanes, bus rapid transit, and other options.

The Integrated Corridor Management initiative is sponsored by RITA, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration. More information is available at www.its.dot.gov/icms/index.htm.