Back to top

Operating Cobb’s Transportation Network

Image
Collage of images related to traffic operations
May 19, 2022

Cobb’s transportation network is vital to providing connections, movement, and growth for people, resources, jobs, and the economy. But even the best designed, maintained and operated transportation network is subject to increased traffic as an area’s economy grows and demand outpaces existing infrastructure. 

Cobb DOT faces traffic challenges head-on with a dedicated team of professionals focused on traffic operations and a Traffic Management Center (TMC), which is the heart of traffic operations in Cobb County. Cobb DOT staff working remotely in the TMC actively monitor traffic in the county. They work with law enforcement and emergency management to restore traffic flow when wrecks occur and pass along traffic information to the public via dynamic message signs, the CobbCommute interactive map, and social media. They also help manage increased traffic volumes resulting from pre-planned, special events around the county, such as Braves games, parades, and air shows.

Outside the TMC, Cobb DOT’s traffic team designs, constructs, installs, operates, and maintains all traffic control devices in unincorporated Cobb County. These devices include:

  • Traffic signals
  • School flashers
  • Pedestrian signals
  • Traffic signs (stop, yield, etc.)
  • Road name signs
  • Pavement markings

The traffic team continuously works to upgrade and maintain these traffic control devices, performing preventative maintenance and regularly scheduled inspections throughout the year. And when signals fail or critical signs (such as stop signs) are knocked down, emergency crews are dispatched to address the issue immediately.

Cobb’s traffic team also installs, operates and maintains a variety of highly technical equipment and infrastructure that supports the traffic signal system, including:

  • 230 traffic surveillance cameras
  • 24 dynamic message signs
  • 164 Bluetooth readers
  • 200 miles of fiber optic cable
  • Signal controller cabinets & associated electronics/hardware
  • Traffic detector equipment (in-ground metal-sensing loops & overhead fixed cameras & associated equipment)
  • Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS)
  • Software and server updates essential to communications and system backup

It’s a lot of work, and we are grateful to Cobb DOT’s traffic operations team for everything they do to keep Cobb’s residents and visitors moving.