The Transportation Management Center (TMC) describes an array of advanced transportation technologies and information processing techniques used internationally to increase the convenience of transportation systems. In 1991, the US Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which encourages governments and other entities to apply military, air traffic control, and space technology to ground transportation. This includes all transportation modes: passenger vehicles, commercial carriers, public transit systems, and other activities. These smart systems, both rural and urban, are being adopted throughout the world; in Colorado by C.D.O.T., and by regional and local transportation agencies across the state.

The Colorado Transportation Management Center (CTMC) comprises two basic units: The Advanced Traffic Management and the Advanced Traveler Information units. The CTMC is temporarily housed at 6th Avenue and Kipling Street in Lakewood.

TMC Colorado is a dynamic group within C.D.O.T. Completion of the statewide fiber optic system will assist with the flow of information within C.D.O.T. And to the traveling public. Improved Internet access will feature an expanded camera system statewide, and it will improve the ability for cotrip web users to read variable message signs (VMS) statewide. Internet users can already access conditions on I-70 at the Eisenhower Tunnel over the continental divide. Helping the traveling public with innovative technology and expansion of our systems is the continuing goal of TMC Colorado.

The following is a description of the function for each unit, and typical hardware and software that service the center.

Advanced Traffic Management System

This unit directly monitors traffic conditions and responds to incidents, particularly during rush hour, in the Denver metro area. The unit also provides critical traffic and road condition information for the Advanced Traveler Information Unit. The ATMS operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. Among other important duties, ATMs operators work closely with C.D.O.T. Public Information Officers to verify the accuracy and currency of messages posted on electronic highway sign boards throughout the state.
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Advanced Traveler Information Unit

This unit provides the traveling public with timely information about Colorado's interstates, U.S. and state highway systems. The Advanced Traveler Information Unit is operated by Public Information Officers (PIOs), communication professionals, acting as C.D.O.T.'s spokespersons. The unit is an integral part of Incident Management Response Teams and operates 24 hours a day. As well as helping call out forces, the unit also operates as an incident notification system; using the Internet and various paging systems to notify C.D.O.T. workers and officials of the latest highway information.
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