Mission Statement
The ITS Operations team supports the Department, Arkansas’ highways, and the traveling public by maintaining and advancing technology systems and communication networks that enhance the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of the state’s transportation operations.
Overview
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) leverages a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative services aimed at enhancing the traveling public’s experience, boosting overall safety, and fostering a more cohesive and efficient utilization of the State’s transportation networks. At the heart of the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) ITS initiative lies ITS Operations, a dedicated team entrusted with the perpetual functionality of the Department’s ITS infrastructure and the statewide Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system, ensuring seamless operations round the clock.
Comprising ITS Specialists, ITS Operations is further delineated into three distinct domains: the ITS Shop, Land Mobile Radio (LMR), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Based within the Transportation Systems Management and Operations Section (TSMO) in Little Rock, the ITS Shop serves as the nerve center for maintenance operations statewide, employing remote monitoring to oversee ITS components dispersed throughout the State. Offering technical prowess to the Traffic Management Center (TMC), managing statewide inventory, and operating a service bay and workshop, the ITS Shop extends comprehensive support and repair services for all ITS and LMR equipment.
ITS Specialists are the backbone of installation, maintenance, and repair activities concerning ITS infrastructure across the state. From Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) to traffic cameras and Highway Advisory Radios (HAR), these specialists provide vital real-time support to the Traffic Management Center, Districts, and the public, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient travel. Presently, ARDOT boasts a robust infrastructure, including almost 440 department-owned pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) traffic cameras, 100 DMS units, and a dozen permanent HAR sites statewide, with ongoing expansion efforts indicative of ITS’s evolving presence throughout Arkansas.
The Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system, constituting person-to-person voice communication channels via two-way radio transceivers, plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless operational communications. Deployed in stationary (base station units), mobile (vehicle-installed), and portable (handheld) configurations, the LMR system is meticulously maintained by ITS Specialists stationed across the state. Collaborating closely with District personnel, these specialists oversee repairs, unit replacements, and installations, with reciprocal support from District personnel in maintaining repeater facilities. Equipped with comprehensive training and resources, each specialist is adept at upholding ARDOT’s LMR system integrity. This statewide VHF conventional radio system spans 46 tower sites, offering repeater coverage, alongside base radios at all District Headquarters, Resident Engineer, and Area Maintenance Headquarter offices. With approximately 1200 mobile/vehicle radios, an equivalent number of portable/handheld radios, and robust microwave radio links and fiber optic connections, the system caters to ARDOT and AHP communication needs with unparalleled efficiency.
In tandem with the Department’s Communications Division, ITS Operations collaborates to deliver live video feeds from ITS cameras via iDriveArkansas.com. This platform serves as a beacon of real-time information, furnishing the traveling public with up-to-date insights into Arkansas highways, complete with live video footage from ITS traffic cameras. ITS Operations stands as a cornerstone of ARDOT’s commitment to innovation and safety, spearheading initiatives to transform Arkansas’ transportation landscape into one that is smarter, safer, and more responsive to the needs of its citizens and travelers alike.
