Metro Atlanta Traffic Incident Management Strategic Vision Update

Metro Atlanta Traffic Incident Management “Strategic Vision Update” TIME Quarterly Meeting January 23, 2007 Presented by Marvin Woodward

Top Five Priority Initiatives 1. Open Roads Policy 2. Incentives for Heavy Duty Recovery 3. Towing Certification and Training for Tow Operators 4. Medical Examiner/Coroner MOUs* 5. TIM Teams

Priority Initiatives Open Roads Policies (State and Local) v Critical statement of senior management in support of quick clearance v Signed and supported by state, local and regional leadership v Wide distribution and awareness training

Incentives for quick Clearance TRIP v Assures prompt predictable response and 24/7 equipment availability v Contains detailed specification for modern powerful 50 ton recovery wreckers with full equipment sets v Requires support equipment like end loader, sweeper/skid steer and MUTCD traffic control devices

Incentives for Quick Clearance (cont) v Includes training and certification standards for operator competency including MUTCD traffic control v Cash incentives paid for “Quick Clearance” of travel lanes v Liquidated damages assessed for poor performance or delay in opening travel lanes

Training and Certification for Tow Operators v Formal training for tow operators including MUTCD traffic controls and quick clearance v Certification based on National Driver’s Certification Program (TRAA) v Working with Towing and Recovery Association of Georgia (TRAG)

Medical Examiner/Coroner MOU v Favorable support for authorizing movement of deceased to open roads v Meetings have already been held v Formalize agreement in Open Roads Policy

Traffic Incident Management Teams v Dramatically improve coordination and communications in the two existing Teams v Region needs 15 -17 additional teams throughout the 13 -County Region v Full-time support staff will be needed for implementation

Legislative and Administrative Initiatives v Liability exemption for quick clearance v Vehicle disposal for towing industry v Ensured payment for environmental cleanup v Axle weights limits for recovery vehicles

Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP)

Project Team: TRIP Working Group v Georgia Regional Transportation Authority – Marvin Woodward (PM) – Gena Wilder Working v GDOT – Gary Millsaps (HERO) – Erik Fischer (TMC) v Delcan, Consultant Team – Christine Macaulay (PM) – John O’Laughlin – Ted Smith Group Steering Committee Stakeholders

Project Team: Steering Committee v Atlanta Police Dept Working Group v Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) v Coroner’s Association Steering Committee v FHWA v GDOT Stakeholders v Georgia Motor Trucking Assoc (GMTA) v Georgia State Firefighter's Association Inc. v Georgia State Patrol (GSP) v Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) v Georgia Regional Transportation Agency (GRTA) v Towing and Recovery Association of Georgia (TRAG)

Project Team: Stakeholders v All Emergency Response Agencies effected by this program. Working Group Steering Committee Stakeholders

TRIP Project Overview v Component Of Strategic Vision v Pay Heavy-Duty Recovery Companies a Bonus For Clearing Commercial Vehicle Wrecks Quickly. v First Program On Non-Toll Facility v High Profile, Some Risk, Great Payoff

TRIP Project Objectives v Improve Traffic Incident Management in the Region v Facilitate Quick Clearance v Improve Towing Procedures v Ensure Safety

TRIP Program Development v Performance Measures – – – v Reduction in Response Times Improvement in Roadway Clearance Times Reduction in Travel Lane Blockage Reduction in Secondary Incidents Overall Reduction in Hours of Delay Dollar Savings from Reduced Congestion Project Boundaries – I-285 and all Interstates and Freeways inside I-285

TRIP Program Development v Program Criteria – Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer Combo (Class 8) – Trucks > 26, 000 lbs (Class 7 or 8) – Large Motor Homes & Motor Coaches (Class 5 or 6) – Busses ≥ 16 passengers (Class 6, 7, or 8) – Aircrafts

TRIP Program Development v Atlanta-area Heavy Duty Wrecker Inventory – Tow Yards and Equipment – Training Records and Certifications – Quick Clearance Strategies – Payment of Services – Billing Systems – Level of Interest

TRIP Final Program v Truck and Equipment Specifications v Training and Certification Requirements v Incentive Rates and Penalties v Concept of Operations for GDOT – Activation authority, time tracking, etc. v Incentive approval and penalty procedures v Application Process and Form

TRIP Program Implementation v On-site Inspections – Equipment – Training v TRIP Training Program v Program Demo

TRIP Steering Committee Responsibilities v Stakeholder Workshop – Tentatively February 20, 2007 – Location: TBD – Steering Committee Participation in Presentations and/or Discussions v Agency Outreach – Help Spread the Word! – Put TRIP Program on your meeting agendas (or other interested agencies)

TRIP Schedule v Project Schedule – February: Stakeholder Workshop – Late March: Draft Program Review – April: Steering Committee Quarterly Meeting – May: Final Program Review – June-November: Towing inspections & certifications, stakeholder outreach, training – July: Steering Committee Quarterly Meeting – November: Program Demo & Kick-Off!

CONCLUSION v Implementation of these strategic initiatives will improve responder and motorist safety as well as increase traffic mobility v Your support is vital to the success of this program v Much work to do!!!!!

Thank you! v. Comments or Questions