NITTEC collects and disseminates real-time traffic information for the Buffalo-Niagara Region. This area encompasses the major highway networks throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada, and includes the border crossings. In addition, NITTEC reports on incidents, construction activities, and events impacting the traveling community.
The information being reported by NITTEC comes from a variety of sources. NITTEC identifies traffic incidents using cameras and sensors installed throughout the area’s transportation network. Additional information is provided by transportation agencies and first responders as planned events or emergencies occur that affect travel in the area.
Real-time information includes data that is delivered immediately upon collection. Camera feeds are current and incident information reflects the most recently reported conditions. Some information may be minimally delayed due to technological or operational limitations. For example, camera still images are refreshed every 1-3 minutes.
NITTEC is an information source that complements radio and TV broadcasts, which often use NITTEC as the source for their reports. Through NITTEC's website travelers can access more detailed, current, and route-specific traffic information than is provided in a short, general, traffic news slot, and this information can be viewed at any time.
NITTEC’s role involves monitoring of conditions and disseminating information to the various agencies for their consideration and use in maintenance activities.
NITTEC can be contacted at (716) 847-2450 or webmaster@nittec.org
NITTEC provides the following platforms for travelers to access information:
NITTEC website/Mobile application
NITTEC's website provides users with access to an interactive traffic map, live camera feeds, traffic speeds, travel times, and highway message sign data on major expressways. In addition, current travel advisories and construction information is posted, along with links to external tools and travel-related resources.
MYNITTEC
MYNITTEC is a personalized alert system that allows a subscriber to receive customized, real-time travel alerts through text messaging and/or email. MYNITTEC requires an account be set up and is available through the website.
Yes. The MYNITTEC tool is required to set up personalized alerts. MYNITTEC can send alerts via email or text messaging. MYNITTEC is available through the website.
NITTEC reports on traffic-related incidents primarily on the interstate and state highway networks once they have been verified and include a lane closure. NITTEC also reports incidents on the local highway network as they are reported through local dispatchers or transportation agencies.
To see the latest information on the NITTEC website, make sure your web browser is set to refresh pages automatically. Otherwise, the version of a page stored on your hard drive from your last visit will be loaded. Also, during a session select Refresh or Reload from your browser's menu or press the appropriate toolbar icon.
The cameras help our Traffic Operations Center (TOC) verify traffic conditions and manage the roadway network by disseminating pertinent traffic information.
The camera feeds are live; however, the refresh rate for the static images generally varies between 1 minute and 3 minutes, depending on the camera source.
Camera images are not available if a camera is not functioning properly or there is a problem with the connection.
From the map view, click the camera icon for the camera you are interested in viewing. A window will open with the live camera image. In the bottom right corner is a pair of sample images from which to determine the camera direction of the live image. Note: The sample images are not live images.
The Traffic Operations Center (TOC) Operators usually develop sign messages from a list of predefined message content. On rare occasions, special or otherwise unique circumstances warrant a deviation from the predefined message content.
Most likely. Unless a message sign is off for maintenance reasons, a blank sign means that there is no traffic information or public service announcement to report at this time.
Information on construction activity is posted on the website typically a week in advance of the construction start. Updates to ongoing construction activities are usually made on Friday of each week as necessary; in cases of significant changes, updates are made immediately.
NITTEC works in collaboration with emergency and transportation agencies to publish incidents and alerts in areas beyond the major highways–on county and local roads–only when there is an impact to traffic. This information can be seen by clicking on the Advisories tab at the top of NITTEC's website.
Winter road condition information is available for state highways and interstate highways through the 511NY website. Select “Traffic and Transit Conditions Map” from the main menu; then select the “Winter Road Conditions” button. Conditions are updated at least every four hours during winter months and more frequently during storms.
Additionally, the Thruway Winter Traveler Advisory is available from November through March, providing travel conditions specific to the Thruway’s statewide system (e.g., I-90 and I-190 in Western New York). It can be accessed online or by toll-free telephone at 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929).
There are four crossings between the US and Canada in Western New York maintained by one of two authorities: Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. Each authority offers general and specific border crossing information at its respective bridge and can be accessed at www.peacebridge.com and www.niagarafallsbridges.com.