Delays With Bayway Fog Warning System

Mobile, Ala. - The Bayway in Mobile is one of the most dangerous places to drive when heavy fog is over the area. An alert system was installed to alert drivers of hazardous conditions. That system hasn't worked properly since Hurricane Katrina came through. Now, some elements are still not working.

"We're not quite there but we are getting close," said Wayne Curry with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Curry is head of the Bayway Alert System also known as the Intelligent Transportation System. The system hasn't worked since Hurricane Katrina came through but Curry said progress has been made.

"Most of the devices are in place, we've got some integration to do," said Curry.

The highway advisory radio messages work as well as the beacons surrounding the Bayway that flash warnings but there are several elements not working or partially working.

"Most changeable message signs are working, our radar detection on the bridge isn't working. The weather stations are at 50 percent and the visibility sensors are partly working," he said.

Curry said there is not an approach to the Bayway that you wouldn't get some sort of warning. He also said if it gets too bad, the Bayway will close.

"If if gets bad enough, that's almost zero visibility, we do have a scenario where we shut it down and detour traffic," he stated.

The system was installed back in 1999 and also alerts drivers of other situations such as a stalled car or accidents.