Transportation Management Center

The Bay Area’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) is the “central nerve system” of our regional freeway network.

Housed at Caltrans' District 4 headquarters in Oakland, the Transportation Management Center (TMC) team of engineers and technicians monitor highway conditions around the clock on massive video panels.

The team compiles information and coordinates construction activity, roadway advisories and incident management — in real time — to minimize your delays while on the road.

Data Collected

The TMC gathers information from many sources, including:

  • Electronic sensors in the pavement
  • Ramp meter sensors
  • Freeway call boxes
  • Video cameras
  • Earthquake monitors
  • 911 calls
  • CHP officers on patrol
  • Caltrans highway crews
  • Commercial traffic reporters
Real-Time Monitoring

The video wall at TMC consists of nearly three dozen 50-inch LED panels. Each panel streams real-time video 24/7 and is monitored by a team of technicians.

The video wall at the TMC
Incident Management

The TMC team uses “incident management” technology to call for first responders and tow truck operators to assist during a freeway incident.

A Freeway Service Patrol tow truck operator assists a motorist.
Partnership

Caltrans District 4 operates the region’s Transportation Management Center in partnership with the California Highway Patrol.