Agencies responsible for managing large-scale transportation resources face many challenges.
Typically, such agencies are required to deliver increasing service with limited expansion
of their asset base. Many of these agencies are using technology to gain additional benefits
from existing resources. One common technical approach is to implement a facility or system
through which management and coordination of technology and other transportation resources
takes place. Such a facility is often referred to as a Transportation Management Center (TMC).
The TMC is the hub or nerve center of a transportation management system. It is where
information about the transportation network (freeway system, traffic signal system, or
transit vehicle network) is collected and processed, and fused with other operational and
control data to produce information. The information is then used by system operators to
monitor the operations of the transportation system and to initiate control strategies to
effect changes in operation. It is also where agencies can coordinate their responses to
transportation situations and conditions. Furthermore, the TMC is the focal point for
communicating transportation related information to the media and the motoring public.
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The Metrolina Transportation Management System is a 14 million dollar integrated
system in Charlotte. It is equipped for the following:
- Detect presence of all vehicles on I-77 and its interchanges
- Using incident algorithms in the software, determine if fluctuations in flow are possible incidents
- Provide video surveillance of entire corridor so that proper emergency and clean-up response can be mobilized
- 12,000 SF Traffic Operation Center housing the control equipment, NCDOT personnel, IMAP, NC State Highway Patrol, and staging areas for major emergency response mobilizations
- Thousands of pre-programmed scenarios
- Interface with Highway Advisory Radios and a network of Dynamic Message Signs
- Real time Traveler Information via a web page
- IMAP dispatch
- Interface with city
- System expansion capability
This System will also control a reversible lane system on US 29 in the vicinity of the
Charlotte Motor Speedway (which is the second largest single annual traffic event
generator in the nation) and a Blockbuster Ampitheater. This will provide for the
optimal use of the roadway during events. Communications from system to TOC will be
microwaved. This system will include 26 lane control structures, surveillance, and
Dynamic Message Signs.
In the near future this system will also control the reversible HOV lanes on Independence
Blvd. (US 74) including gates, Dynamic Message Signs, and surveillance.
Metrolina Transportation Management Center
Directions to the Metrolian Regional Transportation Management Center
(93 KB Adobe Acrobat Document)
For more information contact:
Ann Lorscheider, PE
704-342-6814
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The Piedmont Triad Transportation Management Center located in Greensboro,
consolidated the operations of the Eastern Triad TMC, located at the Greensboro 911 Center,
and the Western Triad TMC, located at the Division 9 office in Winston Salem, into one
regional center. The Regional TMC provides freeway, congestion and incident management
through the use of CCTV Cameras, Dynamic Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radios and Incident
Management Assistance Patrols on I-40, I-40 Business, I-40/85, I-85, US 29, US 52 and US 421
in the Piedmont Triad Region. The Regional TMC is integrated with municipal Traffic
Operations Centers and Law Enforcement Agencies/911 Communication Centers in the region which
provides shared monitoring of surveillance cameras and facilitates enhanced communication and
cooperation with these agencies.
Piedmont Triad Transportation Management Center
Directions to the Piedmont Triad Regional Transportation Management Center
(93 KB Adobe Acrobat Document)
For more information contact:
Pat Wilson
336-315-7079
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The Triangle Transportation Management Center opened
June 18, 1999. It is currently linked to the NC Highway Patrol and media providers.
It will soon be linked with the Durham TOC and Raleigh TOC. These interfaces will
provide integrated surveillance coverage of the region and multi-partner incident
management. It will provide traveler alerts via electronic message signs, highway
advisory radios and media partners. The reversible lane system on Edwards Mill Road
opened June 15, 1999 to efficiently allow greater ingress and egress to the sports
complex.
Triangle Transportation Management Center
Directions to the Triangle Regional Transportation Management Center
(32 KB Adobe Acrobat Document)
For more information contact:
Ed Sirgany
919-233-9331
NC SMARTLINK
NC DOT
NC GOV
