Google Maps traffic reports may help with fair congestion

PALMER — A new mobile tool from Google Maps may help fairgoers better navigate congested traffic at the Alaska State Fair. Travelers use the application Waze, which crowd sources traffic reports and integrates the data in real time into Google’s mobile maps.

In theory, that means drivers could check Google Maps to see whether traffic is flowing better on one route or another into the fair and plan accordingly.

But the usefulness of this tool really depends on passengers using Waze to update traffic data en route to the fair. People will need to download Waze free from the app store to contribute data to Google Maps.

The application also is gaining popularity as a tool to help drivers navigate during disasters, such as during recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and when an Interstate 5 bridge collapsed in Washington state in May.

Learn more about Waze and how it works, and download the app for iPhone or Android devices at Waze.com.