RhodeWays News

A Day in the Life of The TMC

The RI Transportation Management Center (TMC) uses Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment to manage traffic flow and improve the safety of the motoring public by providing advisory messages regarding incidents, roadwork, and events. The Operators at the TMC play a key role in setting up the ITS to manage this flow of traffic. The TMC Operators must follow certain incident management procedures to determine the severity level of the incidents and the appropriate response. These procedures include incident classification, incident response and alternate routes.
 
The RIDOT TMC Operators first classify incidents into five (5) severity classifications, Traffic 0 through 4 with 4 being the most severe. The RhodeWays database is set up to automatically classify incidents and serves as a tool for incident classification. The Operators then use ITS equipment to support the response to incidents occurring on major and secondary roadways. The following provides an overview of incident response steps that the Operators generally follow for a typical incident. A full response for a major incident typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Some of the incident response duties include the following:

• Verify the incident using cameras, first responders, and RhodeWatchers. Link to traffic cameras »
• Notify first responders including the Rhode Island State Police (RISP), local/town police and fire, or RIDOT Maintenance
• For more severe incidents, notify local media, management, surrounding states, and other agencies who may need the information
• Activate Changeable Message Signboards (CMS)
• Send Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) messages. Link to HAR broadcasts »
• Enter incident into CARS 511 and prepare a RhodeWays database report. Link to CARS 511 »

When multiple incidents occur at the same time Operators prioritize responsibilities. Communication between TMC Operators is necessary in order to efficiently optimize response. When prioritizing operator response, the Operators consider the location and severity of the incident, and then monitor the incident for any change in conditions. The Operators may post information on ITS equipment pertaining to the extent of the delays/congestion or range of a roadway work zone. These messages may also suggest use of an alternate route.
 
The TMC Operators play an important role in coordinating incident management by keeping traffic flowing smoothly, preventing additional incidents and minimizing the negative consequences.