"The Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) radio network is a series of low power AM radio transmitters strategically deployed throughout the Winter Games Theater to broadcast traveler information in real time. 

1. "The primary reason for utilizing this messaging format is to provide detailed messages regarding specific venues or events and provide explicit instructions regarding the best method to travel to them. These messages will be formatted to be less than three (3) minutes in length, which normally provides the listener with at least two chances to hear the complete message after allowing for travel speed and transmitter coverage area.

2. "The second, and ultimately more important reason for using the HAR is to provide real time incident information. This information will be updated by the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) Operations Personnel to inform the traveling public about incidents that will effect their travel further along the highway. This early warning and ability to provide detour directions will allow spectators to reach their respective venue site as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

"The Department is expected to deploy at least 10 different transmitters with about half being permanent sites and the remainder being portable to broadcast different messages depending on the time of day, day of the week or as required to respond to incident management needs. The locations of the sites vary depending on coverage area and decision points to best support the daily commuters and visitors to Salt Lake City and the surrounding venue areas during the Winter Games." 

For additional information, please contact Amanda Covington, Director of Communications, Utah Department of Transportation, 801-965-4224. See also ISS' official news release, as well as a visual overview and related links, below.