Traffic Management Center (TMC)

Staff at the Traffic Managemetn Center  (TMC)look at traffic cameras and maps on computer screens.WisDOT Traffic Management Center handles traffic management for the state of Wisconsin. The physical operations center is located in southeastern Wisconsin in the City of Milwaukee.

The TMC is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and communicates regularly with sheriff, fire, police and Wisconsin State Patrol, as well as media outlets and construction project managers.

From the TMC, it is possible to use various traffic management tools, such as: closed circuit television cameras, ramp meters, dynamic message signs (DMS), highway advisory radio (HAR), roadway sensors and other tools. It is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the statewide freeway system by reducing incidents and relieving traffic congestion.

Some benefits of the TMC

  • Detailed information about current travel conditions and times in urban regions enable travelers to make informed decisions about how they travel.
  • Agencies are able to respond faster and more efficiently to interruptions in travel caused by emergencies, accidents, breakdowns, weather and increased congestion.
  • Reduced congestion improves air quality, decreases noise pollution and lowers fuel consumption.
  • Trucks and other commercial vehicles are able to move through urban regions with minimal delays, helping the freight industry maintain lower costs to consumers.

All the benefits of the TMC contribute to and enhance the economic viability of the state. The technologies of the TMC improve travel by using the transportation network already in place across the state.

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)

Wisconsin uses Dynamic Message Signs to provide motorists with information about safety and drive times. WisDOT also partners with other agencies to assist with safety programs and campaigns. DMS are activated to broadcast information at Silver, Amber and Green alerts.

  • Silver Alerts are used to notify the public that an adult with Alzheimer's, dementia or other permanent cognitive impairment is missing.
  • Amber Alerts provide emergency information to aid in the safe recovery of children that law enforcement believes have been abducted and are in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
  • Green Alerts are to help find veterans at risk who have a service-related health condition. Wisconsin became the first state to begin using the Green Alert system (2018).

Real-time traffic information

Visit 511 Wisconsin Travel Information or dial 511 for the most current travel information in Wisconsin

Programs