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), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the headquarters and information clearinghouse for NaviGAtor. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the TMC is committed to enhancing travel safety and transportation efficiency by managing incidents, controlling traffic, and providing accurate information to the traveling public. For more information about the TMC, or to schedule a free tour, please contact us.

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 511 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 404-635-8060 or email us.

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.

NaviGAtor also uses about 500 full-color Closed-Circuit Television cameras positioned about every 1 mile on most major interstates around Atlanta. 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 Video Detection System (VDS) cameras are the primary source of real-time information about current travel conditions. Approximately 1,645 VDS stations are installed about every 1/3 mile along most major interstates around Atlanta. 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's Changeable Message Signs (CMS) are located on most major interstates around Atlanta. 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.

140 ramp meters currently operate on most major interstates around Atlanta. These are traffic signal devices located on entrance ramps that regulate the frequency of vehicles entering the highway. For more information, click here.

511 provides free, real time travel information from any phone, wireless or landline, anywhere in Georgia. The service allows travelers to:

• Report an incident (statewide) or request HERO motorist assistance (metro Atlanta)
• Hear up-to-date traffic reports
• Get transit options like MARTA, Ridesharing, Amtrak, Greyhound
• Connect to airports in Atlanta or Savannah
• Get Georgia tourism information
• Transfer to surrounding states' 511 systems
• Speak to a live operator

511 operators help make a traveler's experience easier, and 511 callers help NaviGAtor manage incidents, congestion, and accidents in a more timely, efficient manner. For 511 FAQs, click here.

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 280 miles of metro-Atlanta freeways seven days a week. For more information, click here.

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 and 511 will continue to evolve and meet the important challenges of urban mobility, air quality, and quality of life.