TDOT SMARTway uses advanced technology (including 20 electronic message boards, 56 cameras and speed congestion monitors) to spot traffic flow interruptions. This information is, in turn, used to provide up-to-the-minute traffic information to drivers so they can avoid congested areas. At the same time, it gives TDOT the tools it needs to better monitor traffic delays and more quickly respond to road problems.
"Widening highways in urban areas cannot be the only option for improving congestion. Utilizing this technology allows us to communicate directly with motorists so they can make smarter choices on the highway as they go to work, school and play," Bredesen said. "It's the first of what I hope will be several changes aimed at making TDOT more consumer-friendly."
The launch of TDOT SMARTway is one of many changes underway at TDOT designed to make the department more efficient and responsive to community concerns. Earlier this year, the administration reorganized the department to create a new community relations division to improve the department's interface with the public. Other changes are underway to make TDOT projects more environmentally friendly and community-oriented.
According to state officials, TDOT SMARTway has the potential to add 15% capacity to Tennessee's interstate system and to reduce incidence delay by as much as thirty minutes per occurrence.
The sharing of TDOT SMARTway intelligence is also a key to the system's success. With the launch of the system, local television stations will begin airing live feeds from the TDOT SMARTway cameras to assist their viewers. The information will also be fed directly to emergency response agencies. And, shortly, information picked-up on the traffic cameras and congestion monitors will be shared with highway users before they travel via TDOT's Web site.
TDOT's new SMARTway system will be implemented first in the Nashville area with plans to expand it into the three other major urban areas in phases over the next several years. In Knoxville, construction will begin early this fall on a new transportation management center there, with a projected completion date of December 2004. System design will begin in Memphis this summer and early implementation of a camera system will begin in Chattanooga within the next 12 months
