Beginning on Sunday the Tennessee Department of Transportation will implement a new schedule at the Region 2 Traffic Management Center on Volkswagen Drive in Chattanooga. From that point forward, the TMC will be staffed with TDOT personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From the TMC, TDOT technicians and dispatchers monitor traffic operations and communications in Region 2’s 24-county area.
The TMCs are an integral part of TDOT’s Intelligent Transportation System, called TDOT SmartWay. These systems improve transportation safety and mobility and enhance productivity through wireless communication technologies. From the TMCs, TDOT uses live video cameras to monitor highways across the state, sensors to gauge traffic flow and large electronic message boards to provide urgent traffic notices and safety messages to drivers. Additionally, The TMCs are also the communication hubs for the HELP Program. Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville have fully-integrated TDOT SmartWay systems that include TMCs.
Previously, although the Chattanooga area was monitored at all times, the Region 1 TMC in Knoxville, which is already staffed 24-hours a day, responded to after-hours calls. This new schedule should improve traffic management operations in the Chattanooga area.
From a desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for a destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We don’t want to lose another member of our TDOT family. We’re asking you to WORK WITH US. Click on the WORK WITH US logo to learn more or go to the website at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/section/work-with-us.