Richmond Traffic Operations Center
Opening in March, 2001, the Richmond District Traffic Operations Center in Chester operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center works with VDOT offices, state police, and the Transportation Emergency Operations Center to keep VDOT and the public informed of traffic incidents as they happen within the 14 counties and four cities that comprise the Richmond District. The center also works with the media and uses radio, the Internet and variable message signs to provide real-time information to Virginia's motorists and to detour traffic when snarls block major arteries through Richmond.
The two-year old facility has seven traffic cameras, 14 permanent overhead variable message signs, nine trailer-mounted variable message signs, six highway advisory radio sites and six pavement sensors.
Traffic Cameras
Seven traffic cameras are used to monitor traffic at congestion-prone areas. These cameras allow center staff to identify traffic backups, monitor accidents and dispatch cleanup and emergency services crews to any incident. These camera images are not available for viewing as are those in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, but plans are to provide this information soon.
Variable
Message Signs
Variable message signs are used in emergency situations to notify motorists already on the road of upcoming incidents and delays. Permanent overhead signs are placed at major decision points on the interstate. Trailer-mounted signs are positioned before construction zones and can be moved in the event of a major incident to give motorists warning of pending delays.
The signs are controlled remotely from the center and messages can be changed to give real-time information to motorists.
Highway Advisory Radio
Highway Advisory Radio sites is strategically located along the interstate leading into the metropolitan area. Five sites give motorists information about major traffic incidents. These radio sites broadcast on 1620 or 510 AM. The sixth site is a portable unit stationed near major construction projects. When there are no incidents to report, these radio sites broadcast tourism information.
Pavement Sensors
Pavement sensors help VDOT measure road conditions and dispatch crews to
spread salt, sand and chemicals, preventing icy conditions and ensuring the
safety of motorists traveling these roadways. Traffic Operations Center staff use
these sensors to detect precipitation and monitor temperatures on bridges along
I-95, Route 895 and I-295.
