Google adds reroutable directions to Maps

Mountain View (CA) – Getting directions in Google Maps has just gotten a lot smarter. Users can now customize the familiar blue direction routes by simply dragging the route to another street or freeway. Stop points can also be added.

One common complaint about computerized map directions is that they usually don’t take into account recent road closures or construction. Now you can reroute the directions around a road closure and Google will calculate a new time and distance automatically.

The new feature is pretty easy to use. Simply put your cursor on the blue direction line and a white box will appear with the text “Drag to change route”. Hold the left mouse button and drag to another location. You will see the location of the cursor and the new trip mileage and time superimposed near the cursor.

We’ve made some directions from Los Angeles to Redlands California for you to try out here.