Video & Traffic Cameras What is the overall purpose of the highway cameras?
The cameras are used to monitor the highway to detect incidents as well as to coordinate incident response activities. These cameras feature full pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities and are controlled by TMC operators in order to monitor the roadways, detect accidents, and monitor congestion. All camera images are displayed on two large screen projection monitors located in the TMC. The operators can select a single (full screen) camera image to be displayed on a monitor or up to sixteen individual images. After an operator has detected or verified an incident through the cameras, he (she) then can alert motorists using the overhead or roadside electronic signs and Highway Advisary Radio (HAR) as well as alert the State Police to assist in incident response activities. The cameras are routed to the website to give motorists information on traffic before the leave home and work. The TMC operators have the capability to blank out the cameras when they are responding to an incident.
