By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, February 4, 2016
Traffic keeps getting worse in metro Atlanta. Rush hours stretch out from pre-dawn to well after dark on some roads with nary a break. And for morning TV stations, traffic is a key component of its newscast.
Last month, 11 Alive brought in an upgraded 3D traffic and weather information system that better integrates the two. Live weather radar can now be seamlessly placed over traffic maps.
The new system features thousands of GPS speed sensors to provide real-time speed and travel information. It can also offer more accurate time estimates on alternate surface street routes when the highways get clogged.
Christopher "Crash" Clark has been with 11 Alive the past two years. He began providing traffic to radio stations all the way back in 1989. (Over the years, he's been heard on Hot 97.5, 99X, Q100 and V-103, to name a few.)
“I started writing a map on a piece of paper,” he said. “I had a clipboard with looseleaf paper. I’d draw a circle and that was the Perimeter. Then I’d draw a straight line for I-20 and the split for 75/85. It was my template for the wrecks and stalls.”
Now he – along with fellow traffic guy Fred McFarlin – can zoom in on accidents anywhere in metro Atlanta, check highway speeds and work with meteorologist Chesley McNeilwhen weather is a factor.
This is an effort by 11 Alive, which is typically in third place in the market, to compete in an arena top-rated station Channel 2 Action News has dominated for decades. ( WSB just renovated its set. Read my story about that here.)
About the Author
