On Thursday, the N.C. Department of Transportation unveiled its latest effort to streamline regional transit: the Eastern Regional Transportation Management Center, or Eastern TMC. According to a statement obtained by the NCDOT, this new hub is set to enhance traffic monitoring, incident response, and communication of real-time road information across an expansive swath of 39 counties in the state, stretching from Interstate 95 to the coastal regions.
The centerpiece of the Eastern TMC is an imposing array of eight 55-inch monitors that offer live feeds from highway cameras throughout Eastern North Carolina. Designed to rapidly respond to on-road incidents, this center has started to also actively manage DriveNC.gov updates, and swiftly post alerts on dynamic message signs aimed to offer timely information on crashes, road closures, and the ever unpredictable weather impacts. "This center gives us greater capability to respond quickly to incidents across eastern North Carolina and to strengthen our partnerships with local and regional agencies to keep travelers safe," Jeff Scott, the NCDOT engineer managing the Eastern TMC, told the NCDOT.
Initially kicking off operations this spring, the center in Selma has now escalated to full functionality, with staffing for two shifts during weekdays to keep an eye on the eastern region's roads. The Raleigh-based Statewide Transportation Operations Center (STOC) takes the helm after hours, providing continuous support whenever the Eastern TMC isn't in operation.
The Eastern TMC isn't operating in isolation; it closely collaborates with various agencies including the N.C. State Highway Patrol, local enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers, and NCDOT's own maintenance crews. This collective approach ensures a coordinated response to any traffic incidents and major local events. Moreover, the Eastern TMC oversees NCDOT's Incident Management Assistance Patrol, known as "IMAP" program, in its jurisdiction. These safety service patrol vehicles are crucial in assisting stranded motorists, clear quickly debris, and manage emergency traffic, all culminating in improved safety and reduced delays. Coverage includes major interstates such as I-95, I-40, and I-140 in Wilmington.
The announcement by the N.C. Department of Transportation marks the Eastern TMC's induction into a statewide network of similar centers, joining forces with the already established Triangle TMC in Raleigh; the Metrolina TMC in Charlotte; the Triad TMC in Greensboro; and the Mountain TMC in Asheville. The latter, opening in 2019, was the most recent addition before now, dedicated to servicing the needs of Western North Carolina.
