Travel Alert!

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is the integration of technology, information processing and communication that leads to easier travel, increased safety and saved time and money.

In the late 1980's, Georgia began discussing the concept of ITS to maximize the efficiency of current and future transportation systems. Atlanta's winning bid for the 1996 Olympics caused an early start. By January 1996, the Transportation Management Center (TMC) was open. It became operational in April of 1996 marking the introduction of NAVIGATOR.

The Transportation Management Center (TMC) is the headquarters and information clearinghouse for NAVIGATOR, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

TMC employees work behind the scenes to provide statewide incident management through a three phase process.

• Phase 1: Collecting Information
  The TMC monitors the roadways and collects real-time information from Video Detection System (VDS) cameras along the interstates. Operators also gather information taking *DOT calls from travelers regarding traffic congestion and roadway incidents.
• Phase 2: Confirm and Analyze Information
  TMC employees must then confirm each incident by identifying the problem, the cause and the effect it will have on the roadway. The proper authorities, such as police, fire or HERO, are notified so they can respond to the incident.
• Phase 3: Communicate the Information
  The third step is communicating this information to travelers, allowing them to make informed travel decisions, through changeable message signs (CMS) on the roadways, the NAVIGATOR website and media relations.

Groups and individuals are invited to tour the TMC. To set up a time, call the Media Relations Office at 404-635-8017 or email tours@georgia-navigator.com.

In addition to the TMC, there are a number of smaller Transportation Control Centers (TCC) and another TMC located in Macon, Georgia. These satellite centers are also run by the counties and cities to manage the arterial road systems. Close hardware, software and staff coordination between the Georgia DOT and these agencies provides for seamless real-time traffic information in these areas. A list of the region's TCCs and their contact information can be found in our Contacts section.

Perhaps the most visible elements of NAVIGATOR are its Monitoring and Video Detection System (VDS) cameras. These cameras are the primary source of real-time information about current travel conditions.

NAVIGATOR's Video Detection System (VDS) is comprised of fixed black and white cameras placed along I-75, I-85, I-285, SR 400 and I-20. These VDS cameras provide continuous speed and volume data to the TMC and allow the system to generate travel times for the Changeable Message Signs (CMS).

NAVIGATOR also uses full-color Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras positioned along I-75, I-85, I-285, SR 400 and I-20. The CCTVs have tilt, pan and zoom capabilities and serve as traffic cameras sending real-time footage to the operators at the TMC monitoring the roadways. The information they collect from these cameras allows them to confirm incident details, dispatch HERO units and request appropriate emergency resources.

NAVIGATOR's Changeable Message Signs (CMS) are located above I-75, I-85, I-285, SR 400 and I-20. They relay up-to-the-minute information to drivers.

CMS are capable of automatic message generation but operators also have access to create custom messages when necessary.

The signs display two primary message types:

• Travel Time is calculated from average speeds over a stretch of roadway through information collected from the VDS cameras. The CMS informs drivers of travel times between major points along the interstate system. Travel time information is provided between 6am and 9pm.
• Incident Messages inform travelers of accidents, stalls, construction and other problems that may cause delay on the roadway. The CMS relays the incident location and specifies which lanes are affected.

During smog season in metro Atlanta, the signs may also contain information regarding air quality conditions and air friendly options available to commuters.

The NAVIGATOR system also includes High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane CMSs. These primarily provide information specifically for express lane commuters.

CMS allow motorists to make informed decisions for themselves by providing a clear and reliable picture of the road ahead resulting in minimized commute times and frustration levels.

Eight ramp meters are currently in operation in Atlanta along I-75 North, north of downtown, and along I-75/85 South downtown. These are traffic signal devices located on entrance ramps that regulate the frequency of vehicles entering the highway.

*DOT is NAVIGATOR's free statewide cellular phone service available to travelers 24 hours a day. The service allows travelers to:

• Report accidents they see or are involved in
• Report traffic congestion
• Report debris in the roadway
• Request HERO or emergency assistance
• Get information on current driving conditions
• Get information on construction projects

*DOT operators help to make a traveler's experience easier and callers to *DOT help NAVIGATOR manage incidents, congestion and accidents in a more timely, efficient manner.

The primary duty of the Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) is to minimize the disruption of traffic caused by lane-blocking incidents within the metro-Atlanta area. When not attending to an incident, HEROs help stranded motorists with minor mechanical problems including flat tires and weak batteries. They provide coverage to some 220 miles of metro-Atlanta freeways seven days a week.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is widely recognized for its comprehensive approach to transportation management and is proud to operate and maintain one of the most innovative ITS deployments in the United States. NAVIGATOR will continue to evolve and meet the important challenges of urban mobility, air quality, and quality of life.