January 26, 2010

NYSERDA-Funded iCone® Gaining National Prominence in Efforts to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Energy Consumption, and Pollution

Made in New York Construction Barrels Hold Sophisticated Computer Components that Help Motorists Save Time and Fuel

Albany Jan 26, 2010—A product developed with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) funding to improve traffic safety and security while increasing energy efficiency made its national event debut at this year’s Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Developed by iCone Products of Cato (Cayuga County), the product has received national and international recognition for its innovative approach to traffic management and is now being marketed across the country. 

The high-tech iCone^® -- an orange plastic highway construction barrel equipped with sophisticated computer and communications equipment –measures traffic data and relays this real-time information to highway officials, the internet, interactive GPS services and the public to help avoid traffic congestion, and reduce energy consumption and pollution.  It was developed and supported with $500,000 funding from NYSERDA and $250,000 from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and also received in-kind support from the New York State Department of Transportation.

Francis J. Murray, Jr., NYSERDA president and CEO said, “Our work with iCone^® represents the best kind of public-private partnership because it produces results that both improve our energy efficiency and protect the public safety.  I’m proud that NYSERDA was involved in the early stages of this company’s development, and we look forward to its continued success on the national stage in the future.”

In addition to helping officials manage traffic at the Rose Bowl, this technology has been used to provide safe and efficient travel for roads in the San Francisco Bay area, in National Parks, and at the New York State Fair, and is now being evaluated by seven states around the country.  During its development, the drums also were used to monitor speeds in work zones to assess New York State Police law enforcement efforts.

Ross Sheckler, iCone Products, LLC managing partner said: “Our customers want something simple, rugged, easily deployed and reliable.  The iCone^® is simply dropped off a truck, switched on and aimed toward the traffic flow.  Immediately it starts sending data to the website.  Often these units need to be placed in locations where there is no reliable cellular coverage and the satellite modem ensures they can be used anywhere in the world.”

The iCone^® was named Project of the Year by the Intelligent Transportation Society of New York (ITS-NY) in June 2009.Each drum is ruggedly built to withstand snow, mud, grime and typical roadside conditions.  It can go for weeks without recharging the batteries, provides universal data transmission coverage, and is highly accurate.  More information can be foundat:  http://iconeproducts.com/

Contact:
Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov