/ Technology / New York State DOT to Use Virtual Reality at State Fair to Show Fairgoers What It’s Like to Work in a Construction Zone

New York State DOT to Use Virtual Reality at State Fair to Show Fairgoers What It’s Like to Work in a Construction Zone

Parul Dubey on August 23, 2017 - in Technology

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll today announced brand new features at the Department’s 2017 Great New York State Fair exhibit, including a virtual reality simulation that puts fairgoers right in the heart of a DOT work zone.  DOT representatives will staff the exhibit –  located next to the sand sculpture in the Center of Progress Building – every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning Wednesday, August 23. 

“The Department of Transportation touches the lives of New Yorkers in countless ways and the Fair is our opportunity to educate people about who we are and what we do,” Commissioner Driscoll said.  “DOT has been participating in the Fair for the last 25 years and I believe our 2017 exhibit will be the best one yet.  Our virtual reality display will show New Yorkers firsthand what it’s like to be in a work zone and we also have a lot of great interactive tools to keep fairgoers both educated and entertained throughout the 13-day extravaganza.”

DOT Exhibit Features: 

Virtual Reality Simulation

This cutting-edge video, which features DOT workers from the Mohawk Valley, will put the viewer right in the middle of a NYSDOT highway construction zone. See what it’s like working on the other side of the barrier. Participants will wear goggles and headsets to get the full virtual reality experience.

Laboratory Display

Learn more about the science behind highway and bridge construction across New York State. NYSDOT lab technicians will demonstrate thermal imaging, ground penetrating radar, porous pavement, and the science behind road paint.

Transportation Trivia

Win prizes by testing your New York State transportation knowledge against other contestants in this fast-paced game.

Message Board

Write us a message and stick it on our 20-foot map of New York State.

About the Great New York State Fair 

The Great New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 23 to September 4, 2017. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “FIND YOUR GREAT,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.

The home of the Great New York State Fair is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website .

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