Mission Statement

The Traffic Management Center’s mission is to improve traffic operations, provide the public with current, accurate and useful travel information, and to promote safe and efficient travel throughout the state. This is accomplished though monitoring, detecting, responding to, and reporting incidents which affect the State of Arkansas’ transportation system.

Overview

The Traffic Management Center (TMC) operates around the clock from a secure location within the Central Office Complex. It manages seven workstations dedicated to various tasks including radio dispatching, traffic operations, and public interaction. The TMC is tasked with dispatching for ARDOT employees and the Arkansas Highway Police (AHP), and handles incident monitoring, detection, and reporting to ensure the smooth functioning of the state’s transportation network.

The TMC utilizes two key communication systems: ARDOT’s non-emergency radio dispatch system for maintenance forces and the Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN) for public safety communications with the Arkansas Highway Police. Each workstation is also equipped with multiple computer systems to enhance dispatch capabilities. In addition, the TMC oversees more than 380 ARDOT ITS cameras, 12 Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) systems, and 100 Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) for real-time public information.

Among its innovations, the TMC operates the state’s first “Managed Lanes” system on the I-430 Bridge, which helps alleviate traffic congestion during peak times by opening a shoulder lane as an additional traffic lane. The TMC also manages a wrong-way driver detection system to prevent collisions and has partnered with Waze for real-time travel data. In collaboration with the Arkansas Trucking Association, it provides free in-cab safety alerts for commercial truck drivers through the DriveWyze connected truck network.

To efficiently track and respond to incidents, the TMC uses a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which is shared with the Arkansas State Police to improve safety and reduce response times. The TMC also updates real-time traveler information on the I-Drive Arkansas app and monitors various traffic data sources and news feeds to keep the public informed.