The primary function of the CTMC maintenance crew is the upkeep of ITS field equipment that is controlled by the Colorado Traffic Management Center. This equipment includes variable message signs, highway advisory radio transmitters, CCTV cameras and video switchers, roadside emergency call boxes, wireless communication devices, highway traffic sensors, and fiber optic equipment. Additional equipment is continually being added to our inventory as the ITS infrastructure grows. Although the majority of ITS devices are located north and west of Denver, equipment locations maintained by the CTMC range from Vail on I-70 to as far south as Pueblo, Wolf Creek Pass in the southwest, and north to the Wyoming border. The number of devices maintained by the CTMC is now in excess of 100.

The CTMC maintenance department has also been charged with deployment of field devices. Everything from installation of highway advisory radio equipment to closed circuit television cameras are handled by the CTMC crew. The CTMC has a fleet of 10 portable variable message signs (VMS boards) at its disposal. Used for road information and in support of law enforcement DUI check points, these signs are deployed by our maintenance crew within a 100 mile radius of Denver. The CTMC maintenance fleet also includes a bucket truck with an 80 ft. reach and a dedicated “network support” vehicle used to diagnose problems with the CDOT's fiber optic network.

The CTMC maintenance department also designs and fabricates new electronic systems that are used to assist the motoring public. These systems frequently make use of both fiber optic and wireless communication devices. For example, we are currently working on the development of remote controlled “trailblazer” signs that make use of wireless technology. These signs are used to direct traffic flow when detours are required because of various road conditions on our highways.