04:50 PM
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| Closed Circuit TV Cameras |
Over 80 Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) are placed along key segments
of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky freeways. These consist of full-motion color cameras,
slow-scan color cameras, and fixed black and white cameras. The cameras relay information
back to the Control Center via fiber optic cable and telephone lines. |
| Changeable Message Signs |
| 40 Changeable Message Signs (CMS) are located before the major freeway interchanges to advise motorists of traffic problems and potential alternate routes. There are also 3 portable CMS which can be towed to locations where a specific, short term need exists. |
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| Highway Advisory Radio |
| ARTIMIS broadcasts traffic advisories and construction information on a dedicated radio channel 530 AM. Advisories are available during operational hours and construction information is available 24 hours a day. Reception level depends upon many factors including the quality of the receiving radio. We are in the process of adding another transmitter to boost the signal level on I-71. There are also 2 portable units which can be towed to locations where a specific, short-term need exists. These units broadcast on 580 AM. |
| Reference and Ramp Markers |
| As you drive along the region's interstates, you've probably noticed the blue and white signs posted along the median and on entrance and exit ramps. Positioned approximately every 1/10 of a mile, the signs provide the following information: |
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  The signs, known as reference and ramp markers have been especially helpful
to stranded motorists and those in need of emergency medical assistance. ARTIMIS was the first in the nation
to develop and make wide-spread use of the markers in an attempt to more accurately locate incidents. Information from area dispatchers
indicated that they often receive multiple calls about an incident, often with conflicting
data. Further complicating response is a situation called home rule in which each municipality
is responsible for those portions of the freeway within its borders. Copies of the marker
locations were provided to all area dispatch personnel on detailed freeway maps including
jurisdictional boundaries. When someone calls in a problem, the dispatcher can direct the
motorists to read the reference or ramp marker and therefore get the correct response to the
problem quickly. |
| ARTIMIS had Federal Highway Administration approval to perform an operational test of these signs. The University of Kentucky is performing the evaluation and a draft copy of the report is available. Other cities participating in the evaluation are Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; Indianapolis, IN; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; and Memphis, TN. Similar signs can also now be seen in several other cities and states. The results of the test were highly successful. A variant of these signs is now an accepted standard and the signs are appearing across the nation. |
| Freeway Service Patrol Vans |
 Broken-down vehicles and car accidents are two of the biggest factors
contributing to highway congestion. Just one disabled vehicle can lead to hours of traffic
headaches. In addition, some of these problems tie up police resources when they are not
really necessary. To avoid some of the delays and inefficient use of personnel, ARTIMIS'
free motorist assistance program includes 5 Service Patrol (Samaritan) vans that patrol the
central 88 miles of the freeways within the region. ARTIMIS provides 51% of the funding for
these vans. CVS Drug Stores provides the other 49%. |
| Drivers of the vans are ASE certified mechanics and trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). They provide a variety of services, such as assisting motorists with temporary repairs, fuel, air, calling for assistance, and removing road debris. |
| The vans are on patrol from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and during selected events. |
| 511 Traveler Advisory Telephone Service |
| The ARTIMIS Traveler Advisory Telephone Service provides up-to-the-minute, route specific traffic information during operational hours and construction information 24 hours a day. The route codes are accessible by clicking here. |
| Total Stations |
| ARTIMIS provides three total stations and training to area law enforcement personnel in order to aid in the efficient documentation of an incident. The total stations are a form of electronic surveying equipment which allows the officer to take four times as many measurements in about 1/3 of the time. The resulting data is fed into a computer program and highly accurate plots obtained of the scene. ARTIMIS also provides, for those agencies that do not have the equipment, a computer and plotter to download and plot the data collected. To date, over 100 officers have been trained from over 37 jurisdictions. This cross-training has allowed smaller departments to "virtually" extend the size of their forces since in some instances, officers from one jurisdiction have helped another jurisdiction map one or more incidents. |
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