SMART SunGuide TMC Operations
ITS is the application of computers, electronics, communications, and other technologies in managing transportation systems
more efficiently and safely and providing mobility options.
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SMART SunGuide TMC
2300 West Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
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All the technology in the world will do nothing to effectively manage traffic without the people who operate it.
The SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) is at the center of FDOT District IV's Intelligent Transportation System.
Collocated with Broward County Traffic Engineering Division (BCTED), the center is a model for inter-agency, multi-modal transportation
management.
The SMART SunGuide TMC is the communication hub for traffic information along I-95, I-595, and I-75 in Broward County. The center
currently operates 7 days a week 24 hours a day to provide proactive county-wide traffic incident management.
Webster defines proactive as acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes. TMC Operators are always on the look-out,
ready to respond to events along our roadways.
There are three steps that Operators must take to manage every incident.
Step 1: Information Collection
Whether it is turning a camera or obtaining information through direct
coordination and communication with the Road Ranger Service Patrol, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Roadwatchers, or media, TMC
Operators are always watching for changes along the roadway in order to detect incidents.
Step 2: Verification and Analysis
Once verified, the details of every event are entered into the SMART
database system. These details are analyzed to determine the degree of disruption on the roadway and the potential impact on traffic
– the motorist - so that response plans can be initiated; all in a matter of moments.
Step 3: Dissemination
The information is then communicated to our customers utilizing Dynamic Message
Signs (DMS), provided on our website, through Advanced Traffic Information Service (ATIS) providers like
SmartRoute Systems, and the media.
TMC Operators notify the proper authorities when needed. During events with a regional impact, neighboring centers such as
District 6 SunGuide TMC, Palm Beach County Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS), and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise are
contacted to affect a coordinated regional response.
