ORLANDO, Fla., August 19, 2009 – District Five of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Regional Communications Center in Orlando are recipients of a top State honor for combined traffic management efforts, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award by ITS Florida.

 

The two agencies are recognized for continued leadership and innovativeness toward the advancement of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Traffic Incident Management (TIM) in the State of Florida. In presenting the award, Leslie A. Griffin, president and chairman of the ITS Florida board, notes how the agencies cooperate in the long-standing, successful operation of the Orlando Regional Traffic Management Center (see photo).

 

The center began its operation in 1991 and relocated to its current location on State Road (S.R.) 436 in 1999. The Traffic Management Center monitors roadway conditions for first responders, law enforcement, media, and the public. The center keeps eyes on Interstate 4, Interstate 95, and the East-West Expressway, as well as other major state roads in the region. It also issues vital advisories, shown on highway message boards.

 

The center also controls variable speed limit signs to aid travelers. Commuters count on the system every day to get them to-and-from their destinations safely, and with minimal delay.

 

Accepting the award were District Five Secretary Noranne Downs and Major Cynthia Williams, Commander of FHP Troop D, (see photo) headquartered in Orlando. Both acknowledged the dedicated and professional staff, responsible for the award-winning work.

 

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Steve Olson

Florida Department of Transportation

District Five Public Information Officer

386-943-5479

steve.olson@dot.state.fl.us