Those maps can tell them in an instant whether they can get in the car and head home or plan on a couple more hours of work. Also at the site are current lists of ongoing traffic tie-ups and construction projects. The cameras aren't just high-tech toys for traffic engineers and Web surfers. They are the front line of defense in the serious business of detecting and verifying the presence of rush hour wreck debris, stalls and crashes. Once a traffic obstacle is detected, DOT dispatches its HERO help units and calls on local authorities to respond as necessary.
Time is of the essence.
One is not effective without the other. The quicker you can detect it and get started clearing it up, the less impact you have on the motorists. In August, 14.5 miles of Navigator coverage will snake up I-75 north from Windy Hill Road to Wade Green Road. Forty-two new freeway cameras are to join 43 operated by Cobb County DOT that already eye several key surface streets. In October, Navigator, accompanied by 11.8 miles of new HOV lanes, is scheduled to go online on I-85 north from Chamblee Tucker Road up to Ga. 316.