Urban was pleased to join PennDOT and state officials in celebrating the Southeastern Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) grand opening at PennDOT District 6 headquarters in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

“The new Southeastern RTMC will expand our capabilities by providing a larger and more modern facility for the management of PennDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS),” said PennDOT District 6 Executive Lou Belmonte. “This will allow us to optimize our operational strategies and technologies and continue our commitment to manage a safe transportation network and help motorists move freely throughout the Philadelphia region.”

Being able to quickly respond to traffic incidents can improve congestion, increase efficiency, and most importantly, save lives. PennDOT District 6-0’s new RTMC and parking structure are the technical and institutional hub to bring together the various jurisdictions, multimodal transportation area’s interests, and service providers to focus on the common goal of optimizing the performance of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s transportation networks. To develop this facility and parking structure, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services sought a consultant team to create a larger, more modern building for PennDOT District 6-0 to expand their capabilities for managing the region’s traffic flow.

Urban provided construction management services for this high-profile project. The work included construction of the 43,000-SF, two-story new RTMC, which was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification; fit-out of the current RTMC; demolition of a parking structure; and construction of a multi-level, 86,000-SF above-ground parking structure. Urban’s contribution to the project included oversight/compliance with state and federal requirements – including Buy America, labor provisions, and DBE participation – as well as cost management; change order management; schedule and budget oversight; site inspection; closeout; and design review.

The RTMC features an innovative digital video wall architecture and a robust data network to enhance traffic incident coordination and communication with public and partner agencies. The RTMC is a 24/7 facility and will also serve as an emergency response center. The building is equipped with an emergency generator, a three-day supply of drinking water, and murphy-beds, as well as a new radio connection to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

“Troopers patrol 44,000 miles of highway, and we can’t be everywhere at once. Every traffic camera operated and monitored from this center is an additional eye on the road,” said Captain Gerard McShea, commanding officer of State Police Troop K, Philadelphia. “The technology here can reduce crashes, warn motorists of the dangers ahead, and slow traffic down in areas where Troopers need to respond. So, this technology helps get drivers to work on time and Troopers home safely at the end of the day.”

In 1993, the first PennDOT District 6 Traffic Management Center (TMC) opened in St. Davids, Delaware County. The TMC began by operating a network of 12 CCTV cameras and four DMS using leased communication lines. In January 2000, the TMC moved to its current location in Upper Merion, Montgomery County, and began operating Freeway Service Patrols, a fleet of service trucks used to assist motorists with mechanical failure, flat tires, or minor incidents. In 2005, the TMC expanded its operations and was upgraded to the first RTMC in Pennsylvania and began operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.