The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s popular HELP program is growing. TDOT was awarded a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant that will allow the department to add more HELP Operators and trucks, as well as expand the routes of the HELP program in West, Middle, and East Tennessee.
HELP trucks patrol the most heavily traveled freeways in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis seven days a week. (When requested by law enforcement agencies, HELP trucks may also work on weekends and late at night during special events that create high traffic volumes.) HELP trucks operate on assigned routes which are restricted to the core areas of each city, so operators can respond quickly to incidents that have the most impact on the total freeway system. The routes sometimes vary by time of day, and HELP trucks are sometimes sent off regular routes to help with traffic control at major incident scenes; but patrols are maintained on the assigned routes as much as possible. For maps showing the normal routes and hours of operation, click here: HELP Routes – See more at: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/topic/help-program-work#sthash.3xD2qbjR.dpuf
“In the 15 plus years our HELP trucks have been on the road, they have proven to be an invaluable resource for TDOT, other first responders, and the traveling public,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “Expanding the program will help us maximize the efficiency of our transportation system and better serve the citizens of our state.”
The Nashville area will get nine additional operators and trucks, bringing the total number to 33. The expansion routes are currently estimated for deployment on or before September 1, 2016. The three expansion routes are:
- I-24, east of Nashville, from Exit 57 (Harding Place) to Exit 78 (SR-96) in Murfreesboro – two additional routes (23 miles)
- I-65, south of Nashville, from Exit 78 (Harding Place) to Exit 65 (SR-96) in Franklin – one additional route (13 miles)
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel
For the other expansions across the state click here.
