TDOT crews puts in fiber optic cables for SmartWay

Tag : Fiber

SmartWay uses wired and wireless communications systems to improvesafety and reduce congestion. Cameras monitor the highways andsensors gauge traffic flow, allowing TDOT to post urgent trafficnotices on large electronic message boards and the radio.
People can "see" road conditions, such as ice or snow, on TDOT'sWeb site. Video is used by local media to show traffic volume.Messages can help drivers avoid crashes or disabled vehicles andprevent congestion. Some signs display travel time: the distanceand estimated time to reach a traffic connection, for example.
In Tennessee, only Nashville and Knoxville have fully integratedSmartWay systems.
The cables being installed will allow the addition of more trafficcameras and overhead message signs. In addition, the system isbeing converted to fiber optic cable. The project is slated to becomplete in 2010, Doughty said.
WHO'S WORKING ON IT: To contact TDOT, call 1-877-SmartWay (877-762-7892) or e-mail TDOT.comments@state.tn.us . TDOT promises to respond in three days. Metro official wins beautification award
A tireless volunteer for neighborhood cleanups and former publicofficial has won a new annual award presented by MetroBeautification.
The commission recently established the Ann Chapman Legacy Award inhonor of its first director, who died in 2004. The award recognizessomeone in the community who carries on Chapman's dedication toefforts against litter, graffiti, and illegal dumping and forbeautification.
Former Davidson County Property Assessor JoAnn North received thefirst award last month. She recently retired after serving 16 yearsas Metro Nashville's assessor of property.
For more than 20 years, North participated in MetroBeautification's Adopt-a-Street program and numerous neighborhoodcleanups. Since Beautification began collecting data in 1997, Northand more than 2,500 volunteers that she personally recruitedcollected almost 50 tons of trash and debris during their roadsidecleanups.
WHO'S WORKING ON IT: If you're interested in volunteering for a cleanup oranti-littering campaign, call Metro Beautification, 862-8418.