ODOT’s Traffic Management Center Wins National Award
COLUMBUS (Thursday, October 20, 2011) – Armed with advanced traffic monitoring technology and innovative communications systems, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Traffic Management Center (TMC) recently won Project of the Year from ITS Midwest – a member-based professional organization focused on the development and research of intelligent traffic systems.
“This system is all about safety, which means communicating accurate and timely traffic information to motorists,” said Senior ITS Engineer George Saylor. “I am pleased to accept this national award, not just on behalf of the department, but for all Ohioans who use the state’s roadways.”
The ultimate goal of the TMC is to manage congestion and reduce secondary crashes – accidents which take place shortly or long after the initial crash. Secondary crashes make up nearly 15 percent of all crashes and are often caused by motorists speeding, tailgating and not paying attention.
The traffic communications system is comprised of more than three hundred traffic cameras, over a thousand speed and roadway sensors, 60 dynamic message boards and highway advisory radios. This technologically advanced system helps ODOT reduce freeway congestion, secondary crashes and roadside fatalities.
As part of the entire traffic communications system, motorists have access to all traffic cameras, speed and road condition data via the state’s premier traffic website – www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.
“The beauty of the system is that Ohioans can access up-to-the-minute traffic data through a single website,” explained TMC Supervisor John McKnabb. “No matter your destination, whether it is to work, home or school, our website will provide you with accurate roadway information to ensure you arrive safely.”
Although the entire system is still under construction, ODOT’s traffic management center is centralized in Columbus, Ohio and will eventually be responsible for managing traffic communications in Ohio’s six major metro areas – Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton/Springfield and Toledo.
Currently, there are four operators, each assigned to a single metro area, including Akron/Canton, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton/Springfield. All metro areas will be integrated into the TMC by end of 2014.
For more information, contact: Steve Faulkner, ODOT Press Secretary, at 614-644-7101, or your local ODOT District Communications Office
