WICHway FAQ

Thank you for your interest in the WICHway Traffic Management Center and KDOT's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Here are answers to frequently asked questions about WICHway and ITS. If you don't find your question or would like to suggest one, email tom.hein@ks.gov.

Are WICHway camera views recorded?

 No. Information collected from WICHway cameras and traffic sensors is used for up-to-the-minute assessment of traffic situations on Wichita highways.

How do I contact WICHway?

Email the manager, Tom Hein at tom.hein@ks.gov.

How often do the camera snapshots update?

Every two minutes. After you click on a camera icon, it shows up in the box on the left. Then if you want to see live video from the camera, click on the image and it will expand and go live.

What browsers are supported by WICHway?

WICHway works best with Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and many other browsers. Internet Explorer is not supported.

When is the next addition to the WICHway system coming?

The next phase (Phase 5) of WICHway equipment deployment was awarded in June 2020 to Phillips Southern Electric (PSE) of Wichita. It includes six new roadside cameras, seven new message boards and seven new traffic detectors, and other system upgrades. Two unique features of this deployment include a queue detection system on WB K-96 near the I-135 junction and a Truck Overturn Prevention System (TOPS) on EB K-96 approaching the U.S. 54 junction. PSE is ordering equipment now and will begin installation on March 15, 2021.

Who is watching the cameras and posting messages on the signs?

At least one WICHway operator is monitoring Wichita highway traffic at all times. During some peak traffic number periods, two or more will be watching traffic speeds, camera views and other information gathering methods. The Sedgwick County 911 call center also views cameras and posts messages on signs.

What is an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)?

ITS is the application of advanced sensor, computer, electronics, and communications technologies integrated with active management strategies to provide traveler information aimed at increasing the safety and efficiency of the surface transportation system.

How has ITS evolved in Wichita?

Bringing ITS to Wichita began back in the 1990s. After many discussions, meetings and extensive research, a deployment study for ITS in the Wichita metropolitan area was released in late 1998.

Partnerships were soon established to create and implement an ITS architecture for the area. The architecture describes the components of the system, how they will interact to form a network of data gathering devices and how that information will be used to create a more efficient transportation system in the metro area. Partners on the highway side of Wichita’s ITS include the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA), Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO), and a number of private consulting firms.

In July 2007, a consultant was selected to design and supervise the installation plus start-up operation of ITS on Wichita’s highways. In January 2009, a test project was launched that used six temporary cameras (on 45’ wooden poles) and six mobile DMS (trailer units). The test project included set-up of a Traffic Management Center (TMC) with operators’ console stations and the infrastructure backbone to bring information into the center. The TMC is co-located with Sedgwick County’s 911 operators facilitating coordination of traffic related events with KDOT, KHP, Sedgwick County law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders. KDOT contracts with the County to provide TMC console operators Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. The test project served a number of functions. Cameras, messages signs, traffic detectors, remote antennae, and data transmission techniques were installed that began the process of gathering information in the field and aggregating it in a central location. This information was used by TMC console operators and, although on a fairly limited basis, this information was shared with drivers on some of Wichita’s highways. Staffing the new Intelligent Transportation System was accomplished with the KDOT/Sedgwick County agreement but the project also needed local leadership, operation and maintenance. Expanding his role as public affairs manager for Wichita KDOT, Tom Hein was appointed manager of the Wichita ITS operation. 

In 2011, installation of permanent ITS equipment on 22 miles of Wichita’s highway system was completed. The $4 million installation contract included 28 cameras, 21 dynamic message signs (at 14 locations) and 36 traffic sensors. Phase 1 also included the creation of the WICHway website to share traffic speeds, camera views, dynamic message sign content, emergency notices, construction projects and maintenance details.

Phase 2 of ITS equipment installation (in 2013) included 13 more cameras and traffic sensors plus two message signs.

Phase 3 occurred in 2014.

Phase 4 in 2018.

Phase 5 will begin in 2021.