Modern traffic technology enhances mobility at Fort Benning

By Alexander GagoFebruary 10, 2022

Fort Benning Directorate of Public Works (DPW) has deployed innovative traffic technology, easing driver commute time and enhancing safety at Fort Benning.

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the DPW recently employed the use of GDOT’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), an integrated software platform solution called NaviGAtor.

“We have about an average of 34,200 vehicles accessing the installation daily,” said Jim Webster, Chief, Physical Security Division, Directorate of Emergency Services.

NaviGAtor provides real-time speed, volume, and travel time data using closed-circuit television, video detection cameras, ramp meters and dynamic message signs (DMS).

Georgia Department of Transportation DMS, located on U.S. Interstate 185, 1.5 miles north of Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga., advises southbound motorists of travel time to Fort Benning’s access control points.
Georgia Department of Transportation DMS, located on U.S. Interstate 185, 1.5 miles north of Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga., advises southbound motorists of travel time to Fort Benning’s access control points. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Alexander Gago) VIEW ORIGINAL

“The dynamic message signs, using the traffic management software provided by GDOT, have eased congestion to accommodate the increased traffic to help distribute traffic to other gates, especially when there is a rush,” said Jason Powers, Installation Transportation Engineer.

Traffic travel time to Fort Benning Boulevard gate and the Fort Benning Interstate 185 Lindsey Creek Parkway gate have been encouraging.

“By taking this approach, we were able to significantly reduce the post-Thanksgiving congestion time at the main gate at I-185 across the entire day. We were certainly excited to see that on the Monday morning after Thanksgiving, the average time to get through the main gate was cut nearly in half,” said Matthew Glasser, Assistant State Traffic Engineer at GDOT.

Soldiers and Families accessing the installation now have real-time traffic updates. Powers points out that the DMS updates are meeting expectations.

“So far, we are happy with the dynamic message sign upgrades. We see drivers choose ACP depending on traffic, giving drivers more room to accomplish their task safely,” said Powers.

Matthew Dillon, Chief, Access Control Branch, Directorate of Emergency Services, explains how the new DMS updates succeeds in reducing traffic delays.

“The I-185 electronic DMS updates alert drivers of travel times to Lindsey Creek ACP and Benning Road ACP have been excellent,” said Dillon. “The DMS allows drivers to see upcoming delays at Lindsey Creek due to large traffic volume, a traffic accident or some other delay, diverting traffic to Benning Road ACP.”

“This reduces traffic backing up and has resulted in a larger use of the Benning Road ACP,” added Dillon. “In the past, we have seen Lindsey Creek have long lines while Benning Road was open and had no traffic.”

Powers also praised the collaborative effort by GDOT officials who worked together to make the project a success.

“It helps enhance the quality of life,” Powers said. “We appreciate GDOT for their efforts to help Fort Benning alleviate some of our traffic backups and look forward to partnering with them for a long time in the future to make it Better at Benning.”