New Orleans, LA – In preparation for the integration of the Crescent City Connection (CCC) into the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) district offices at the end of the year, DOTD announces upgrades to the Crescent City Connection camera system.  Last week, DOTD began updating the connectivity of the CCC system from its current WiFi system to a more powerful and robust cellular system. The upgrades are part of a two-year planning process to integrate the CCC’s independent camera system into DOTD’s regional traffic management center. The new upgrade project is slated to be completed by the end of the year.

This conversion allows the state to preserve its previous investment while capturing recent technology improvements. With only slight modifications, the cameras, recording servers, and radios can be utilized and integrated in the New Orleans Regional Traffic Management’s camera system. Currently, all 52 CCC ferry and ferry terminal cameras and 17 CCC traffic cameras are functional with live and recorded video viewable from terminals/landings or vessels. This information is utilized for traffic flow analysis, incident review and general oversight and security of the area.

"DOTD recognizes the need to provide this enhanced level of service to Louisiana drivers and commerce industries from both a safety and a management standpoint," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "This project highlights our commitment to support cutting edge technology to enhance drivers’ experience on Louisiana roadways."

The first phase of this upgrade began in July 2012 with a portion of a $6.8 million project linking key cameras on the CCC’s independent system to DOTD’s Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC). This is part of the New Orleans Core Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project, which will outfit the I-10 corridor, from Kenner to the Central Business District (CBD), I-610 and US 90 Business with 24 new surveillance cameras and eight dynamic message signs, which will be monitored by staff at the RTMC and be accessible online through DOTD’s 511la.org website. The project is estimated to take six to nine months to complete, with many of the cameras online by the Super Bowl in 2013.

These upgrades were planned to coincide with the integration of the CCC into the state system and allows for the continuation of traffic services through DOTD’s District 02 Traffic Operations. What this means to motorists is improved travel by helping drivers avoid traffic congestion and use alternate routes, ultimately shortening and providing more reliable commute times. Louisiana has over 460,000 licensed drivers in the greater New Orleans area.

An additional link between the Marine Maintenance and Lower Algiers ferry landing is also being developed. When completed at the end of the year, the cameras will also be viewable in the Marine Maintenance Facility.

CCC cameras were purchased and installed in 2008. The original system functioned at the time of installation. However, as technology has progressed, it has become necessary to modify and upgrade the system to ensure that it functions as efficiently as possible and in concert with the state’s system.

Please note, as per standard protocol, camera equipment is pulled from ferry vessels while out of service. The M/V Armiger is back in service and equipment is being reinstalled.