You’re already late to work, barreling down the Maine Turnpike. Hoping to avoid an accident or that large patch of black ice you heard about on the news, you tune into the 1610 AM, the turnpike’s radio station which keeps drivers in the loop.

Just as the location of that accident is about to be broadcast, the signal goes fuzzy. A minute later, you find that accident is about 50 feet in front of you.

Probably doesn’t happen a lot, but there are more than likely a few folks reading this who remember a time when this has happened.

Well, no more, according to turnpike officials.

Maine Turnpike staff announced today 1610 AM will be broadcast from a different satellite, which is expected to eliminate spots of static that can occur through the changing Maine landscape. Broadcasts are available through the entire length of the turnpike, from Kittery to Augusta.

Greg Stone, director of highway safety, expects the change will be made over the next few weeks. Broadcasts ought to sound stronger and clearer, he said.

Is the 1610 AM station a tool you utilize frequently while commuting or traveling on the turnpike? What are your thoughts?