Many truckstops in Colorado will soon be equipped with a tool offering real-time information relating to roadway, weather and traffic conditions on key highways in the state. The program is a cooperative effort involving Walmart, local truckstops, the Colorado Motor Carriers Association and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The kickoff of the effort occurred last week at Johnson's Corner Truckstop in Johnstown along I-25, one of the largest truckstops in Colorado.

The project involves the distribution and installation of 20 42-inch HDTV monitors, donated by Walmart Transportation, in various truckstops throughout the state. The monitors will provide streaming video from CDOT video cameras that are aligned along major highways in the state. As part of the project, CDOT is installing the necessary software at each of the truckstops to drive the video display.

The video monitors will allow travelers to view real-time conditions on the state's highways. Along with the video images for certain highway segments, travelers will be able to see current traffic speeds, weather conditions and bottlenecks. In addition, drivers will be provided with alerts related to road closures, accidents, roadway construction and other conditions that could affect travel.

"More than anyone else, Colorado truck drivers and trucking companies appreciate the rapid changes that may occur with our weather as well as traffic conditions on our state's roadways," says Victor Domenico, chairman of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. "By allowing drivers to visually see the current conditions on key highways will allow them to make better decisions in their trip planning and preparation."

In addition to Johnson's Corner, the video system has been or will be placed in truckstops in Commerce City, Wiggins, Grand Junction, Limon, Watkins, Fountain, Brush, Walsenberg and Glenwood Springs.