The Early Morning Update 3:45 AM , Sun, May 26th, 2013, CDT

Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2011  

For more information, contact:
Gina Myles, (816) 622-0322

KC Scout System Falls Prey to Vandalism

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. – Recently KC Scout has experienced a significant amount of damage to, and theft of equipment. This has involved cabinets being damaged in an attempt to steal copper, none of which is housed in these cabinets. In the process, there has been a considerable amount of damage to the fiber optic cable that connects the system. Vandals have also damaged message boards and some overhead signs. As a result, the KC Scout system has lost the use of cameras, message boards, and detection equipment resulting in an inability to provide current information to responders, media and the public. When the fiber is cut, it is an expensive and time consuming process, to repair it. It will cost more than $150,000 to restore the system to operational status, not to mention the inconvenience to motorists who rely on the equipment to navigate their daily commute.

The suspects have gone to the effort of covering the cabinets with tree branches and other things to conceal their activities. This has happened throughout the Metro specifically the downtown area, also with several incidents occurring North of the River where new equipment is being installed.

Kansas City Scout is asking the public as well as the media to pay particular attention to the KC Scout equipment on the highways. This includes the silver-colored cabinets for the cameras, message boards, and detection stations. If you see any suspicious activity near any of the KC Scout equipment please call 911.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010

For more information, contact:
Gina Myles, (816) 622-0322

New Scout Message Boards Go Up In Northland

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO. – In its unswerving effort to provide Kansas City commuters with a the most extensive real-time traffic management system in the Midwest region, KC Scout continues to expand into the northland. Three new dynamic message signs (boards) were installed this week along I-435 north of I-70. The two new southbound I-29 message boards (Platte City and just north of I-635) were installed yesterday and the southbound I-435message board south of Hwy. 152 will be installed today. Next week the contractor will be removing the eastbound I-70 DMS board from the Benton Curve and moving it to southbound I-35 north of I-435. The contractor is going to be delayed by LightCore's fiber splicing so these DMS boards and the new cameras will not be operational until April.

This is a part of Scout’s northland expansion project which will eventually see new cameras and signs along I-35 from I-29 to Hwy. 152 in Liberty and along I-29 from Parvin Road to a few miles north of the I-635 interchange. Scout is also working hard to upgrade the old Highway Advisory Radio transmitters and beacons so those devices will be able to give up to date information in future. MoDOT will also install a few devices along I-29 near Platte City the area where I-435 ties into I-29 north of the airport can be monitored as well.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2009

For more information, contact:
Gina Myles, (816) 622-0322

KC Scout Lights Up New Ramp Meter Signals

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – Ramp Meters, Kansas City Scout’s latest tool to ease congestion along the south I-435 corridor will go into effect on November 24, 2009. Ramp meters, special traffic signals that regulate the rate at which vehicles enter the freeway from the on-ramps have been installed on the south I-435 corridor between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing (formerly the Grandview Triangle). Testing of the system will occur Thursday evening November 19 from 11 pm to around 2 am Friday morning.

According to Jason Sims, Manager of Kansas City Scout, "The nation’s economic outlook has hit all governmental agencies hard, specifically the Departments of Transportation. Through Scout’s Ramp Metering initiative MoDOT and KDOT are utilizing low cost technology solutions to maximize the flow on the highway system and reduce accidents, with accident reduction being the number one goal."

The meters are a part of what is called a "smart system" and will only turn on during the peak rush hour periods when traffic conditions or congestion warrants them. With the launch of the meters coming during a holiday work week which usually sees a lighter flow of traffic the system may not activate until traffic patterns return to normal the following week.

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Previous Press Releases:

  • View - KC Scout To Test New Ramp Meter Signals
  • View - Metro Agencies Sign Agreement for Unified Incident Management
  • View - Kansas City Scout Releases New Enhanced Website
  • View - KC Scout Adds New Cameras on East Loop of I-435
  • View - Scout Unveils "My KC Scout" Web Alerts
  • View - Kansas City Scout Receives MARC Regional Leadership Award
  • View - Kansas City Scout Wins APWA Technical Innovation Award
  • View - APWA Honors E. Jason Sims as Professional Manager of the Year
  • View - KC Scout Teams With KSHB TV and 3rd Dimension for Traffic Jam Cell Cam
  • View - Kansas City Scout Earns Operations Program Excellence Award
  • View - Kansas City Scout Wins APWA Award
  • View - New Scout Cameras
  • View - Kansas City Scout Earns National Applause for Public Outreach
  • View - KDOT Construction Places Dynamic Message Sign Out of Service
  • View - KDOT, MoDOT Acknowledge Scout's First Year Achievements
  • View - Kansas City Scout System Is Finalist in National Awards Competition
  • View - KDOT, MoDOT Formally Launch Scout Traffic Management System
  • View - Project Update
  • View - Scouting Kansas City's Traffic Tie-Ups Will Get Easier with New Web Site
  • View - Kansas City's New Traffic Management System Shows Signs of Progress
  • View - KDOT, MoDOT Use “Noodle” with Kansas City Scout Project
  • View - KDOT and MoDOT Join Forces to Kick-Off Kansas City Scout
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