The District’s TSM&O Program Engineer presented an overview of TSM&O strategies and a timeline of key milestones showing FDOT’s sustained growth and investment in Monroe County. The presentation highlighted ongoing efforts such as performance-based maintenance services conducted for the signals, real-time monitoring to optimize system performance, and upcoming construction projects planned for the region.  The timeline of milestones showed the initial installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices in 2005; the formation of the Monroe County Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Team in 2009 to strengthen coordination with local partners; a comprehensive ITS device replacement initiative in 2014; and FDOT’s operations and maintenance responsibilities for Monroe County’s traffic signal infrastructure in 2018 and City of Key West in 2020. The timeline culminated with the 2024 deployment of the Keys COAST connected vehicle project which marked a new era of advanced transportation technology in the Florida Keys. Together, these milestones showed how FDOT strategically built its TSM&O framework over 20 years to support a connected roadway network designed to meet current and future demands. The presentation also highlighted the importance of strong local partnerships and the measurable benefits they provide to law enforcement, emergency responders, and the communities they serve.

Following the presentation, the delegation toured the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (STMC) control room, visited the arterial workstation overseeing the Monroe County Traffic Signal System, and concluded with a stop in the IT network room. Officials expressed appreciation for the depth of coordination, infrastructure investment, and regional partnership demonstrated throughout the briefing. The visit underscored FDOT District Six’s continued dedication to working with Monroe County to promote safe and reliable travel in the region.

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The TSM&O Office was selected to present the first connected vehicles (CV) project in the District, Keys Connecting Overseas to Advance Safe Travel (Keys COAST). The project was completed in 2024 and enables communication between the traffic signal infrastructure and participating vehicles along the U.S. 1 corridor in Monroe County. It uses roadside units to monitor traffic signal activity and alert drivers about travel conditions that may impact their trip. It also features signal priority applications and an automated traffic signal performance measures (ATSPM) system to optimize operations and promote safe and efficient travel along this critical corridor.

To showcase the project, TSM&O staff created a series of educational materials for the event. This included a multi-media presentation that featured drone and animation videos, a detailed factsheet, and CV devices to demonstrate the innovative project elements to the elected officials who visited the District Six booth. The project was well received and showed how TSM&O strategies are working to meet the current and future transportation needs of our roadways.

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Mr. Vega was selected for the award from a competitive pool of statewide candidates for his outstanding contributions to the TSM&O Program. ITS Florida noted his ability to transform challenges into opportunities and implement solutions that have improved traffic operations. Mr. Vega began his TSM&O career in 2017 and credits his time working the overnight shift at the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (STMC) with teaching him to manage complex scenarios. He realized the unique challenges posed by the overnight schedule, such as major construction activities and reduced nighttime visibility, required greater situational awareness and coordination. As a result, he quickly learned to identify traffic patterns, anticipate issues before they escalated, and develop strong working relationships with the Road Rangers and first responders. These skills allowed Mr. Vega to excel in his role and was promoted to Express Lanes Supervisor within three years of starting the job.

Today, Mr. Vega serves as Construction Coordinator for the TSM&O Office, where he attends project meetings, updates operations staff on scheduled activities and ensures timely dissemination of traveler information to mitigate construction-related impacts. He also serves as the on-site FDOT representative at Hard Rock Stadium, managing special event traffic for major events such as the Orange Bowl, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this role, he again distinguished himself for identifying solutions for the stadium staff. He went above and beyond his regular duties to develop travel time analysis reports to improve shuttle bus traffic flow and identified new post-event exit routes that have alleviated congestion.

ITS Florida also recognized other District Six representatives, including Mr. Javier Rodriguez, P.E., for leading completion of the first Connected Vehicle project in Monroe County (Keys COAST), and Ms. Alicia Torrez for her contributions to public information in TSM&O.

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The TSM&O Office worked with state, local, and federal agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida’s Turnpike, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and stadium operations staff. The Office developed a multi-pronged traffic management plan that identified dedicated resources, primary and diversion routes, traveler information protocols, and escalation notification procedures.

To support real-time operations, the District deployed on-site staff at Hard Rock Stadium and assigned dedicated operators at the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (STMC) to monitor traffic conditions near the Golden Glades Interchange. Road Rangers and Incident Response Vehicles were strategically located for the quick clearance of road-blocking events.  Special event messaging was created for the dynamic message signs and the Florida 511 Traveler Information System. Additionally, an escalation notification procedure was created to inform FDOT Central Office and key partners if an unplanned emergency happened during this time.

Traffic planning for special events is a critical priority for FDOT District Six, especially as South Florida continues to gain prominence on a global scale. By developing comprehensive, multi-agency coordination plans, the District strengthens preparedness and ensures an effective, well-coordinated response during these high-profile events.

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CTSO’s December meeting focused on work zone safety. Other presentations included work zone information and resources from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and lessons learned from connected arrow board use from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. District Six staff described the operational challenges of managing traffic in South Florida, where high traffic volumes and limited right-of-way require effective and coordinated TSM&O strategies. These conditions led to the development of the IRV program in Miami-Dade County, which District Six implemented in 2008 to support Florida’s first express lanes project on Interstate 95. The corridor’s limited shoulders and high demand required additional on-scene incident management capabilities beyond traditional service patrols.

The presentation explained how the IRV program was designed to complement the Road Ranger Service Patrol while providing FDOT with an official on-scene representative. IRV drivers meet higher training standards and typically have prior law enforcement or fire rescue experience. This background enables them to manage complex incidents, coordinate with partner agencies, and support effective decision-making during high-risk events. District Six noted that Road Rangers and local first responders have reported operational benefits from the program, including improved coordination and more efficient incident response. Based on its effectiveness, FDOT expanded the IRV program in 2016 to support additional express lane corridors, including 75 Express and Palmetto Express. The program is now an established component of FDOT’s incident management operations in Miami-Dade County.

District Six also highlighted recent IRV enhancements focused on work zone and responder safety. These include vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) traveler information notifications that alert motorists when an IRV is active at a scene, rear-facing red lights to reinforce Move Over compliance, and sequential flare lighting to improve visibility and support safer merging.

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District Six opened the meeting with a comprehensive overview of the TIM Team’s major events and accomplishments over the past year. Staff provided updates on special event coordination, responder training activities, and participation in national Crash Responder Safety Week to raise awareness about responder safety and reduce crashes.

Representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) followed with a detailed briefing on their expanding “Impact-Based Decision Support Services” (IDSS). Through IDSS, the NWS delivers tailored, real-time weather briefings designed to provide probabilistic forecasts that help agencies plan for high-impact conditions. The service is increasingly used to support major operations, including large construction activities and crane work to  improve safety and operational decision-making.

The District Six Construction Office and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority provided an update on several ongoing construction projects, including the Plantation Key Transmission Main Replacement Project. This major undertaking involves replacing six miles of aging drinking water pipeline between Snake Creek (MM 85.5) and Julep Road in Tavernier (MM 92). Scheduled for completion in March 2026, the project has progressed ahead of schedule due to strong stakeholder coordination, proactive public outreach, and effective traffic management strategies.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the Monroe County EOC. The EOC opened in September 2024 and is a state-of-the-art, hurricane-hardened building. The bi-annual meeting reinforced the value of regional collaboration and continuous improvement in incident management practices to promote continued progress across Monroe County’s transportation network.

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FHWA sponsors the campaign every year to remind motorists that responder safety is everyone’s responsibility. It empowers state and district offices to highlight the brave men and women who work to keep our roadways safe every day. The goal is to humanize our field responders and put a face behind the uniform so that everyone can arrive home safely.

District Six launched a five-day social media campaign featuring short videos and testimonials from Road Rangers and Incident Response Vehicle Operators that followed  FHWA’s daily themes: Safety Starts with You, Driver Education, Responder Training, More than a Crash, and Slow Down, Move Over. In addition to its digital outreach, the District also shared public service announcements on dynamic message signs, published newsflash items on SunGuide.info, and participated in a community engagement event at the Florida’s Turnpike Service Plaza in Pompano, Florida.

CRSW supports the national mission to safeguard first responders in the field. Its framework and educational toolkit provide unified messaging, daily focus topics, and practical resources that help transportation partners deliver a consistent and impactful safety message. District Six remains committed to advancing this effort and promoting responder safety. For more information, visit the official CRSW page.

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These meetings are a cornerstone for the TIM Teams that manage two of South Florida’s most heavily traveled regions. They provide a forum for regional partners to meet in person, share updates, and highlight ongoing projects.

District Six opened the session with welcome remarks and an overview of current initiatives in Miami-Dade County. Highlights included preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, plans for the 2025 Crash Responder Safety Week campaign, and progress on the Wrong-Way Vehicle Detection System. District Four followed with updates on the 95 Express Phase 3C Project and the First Responder Drive-Thru Event, which gave responders an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the facility’s new configurations before its opening.

The meeting also featured updates from regional partners, including Florida Highway Patrol Troop ‘E’, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, the PortMiami Tunnel, the Golden Glades Interchange Enhancement Project, and the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project. Presenters shared construction milestones, introduced new staff members, and discussed lessons learned. The session concluded with a presentation from Sunshine Towing which announced the addition of two South Florida Road Rangers, Jak Pereira and Jose Parra, to the International Towing Museum’s Wall of the Fallen. Attendees observed a moment of silence in their memory and reaffirmed the TIM community’s shared commitment to responder safety.

The meetings play an essential role in the TIM Program’s mission to provide safe and reliable roadways in our state. They provide space for partners to discuss the issues impacting their agencies, foster collaboration, and implement tangible solutions on our roads. The next bi-annual meeting will be hosted by the District Four TIM Team in Broward County in spring 2026. For more information about the TIM Programs, please click here for District Six and here for District Four.

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District Six evaluated the corridor’s pre-existing signal timing plans and identified the need for a more dynamic approach to better address recurring congestion patterns during seasonal peak traffic. The TSM&O team collected and analyzed traffic data using simulation modeling to evaluate signal performance and test coordination strategies across the city’s street network. To enhance precision, the city was divided into four traffic zones using traffic modeling software based on roadway configurations and traffic flow characteristics. District Six also evaluated other major roads such as Washington Avenue, Abbot Avenue, and Harding Avenue to establish grid coordination. Seasonal timing plans were also developed to accommodate fluctuations during weekday afternoon peak.

The multi-pronged approach effectively addressed the factors contributing to congestion along the major corridors. As a result, travel time, delay, and stop frequency decreased significantly across key routes. The benefits are listed below.

– 5 Street Westbound (Collins Avenue to Alton Road)

• • • Travel Time Improved: 16.9%
    • Total Delay Reduced: 21.9%
    • Stops Reduced: 27.3%

– Collins Avenue Northbound (5445 Entrance to 88 Street)

• • • Travel Time Improved: 38.3%
    • Total Delay Reduced: 57.7%
    • Stops Reduced: 50%

– Collins Avenue Southbound (5 Street to 25 Street)

• • • Travel Time Improved: 7.3%
    • Total Delay Reduced: 11.1%
    • Stops Reduced: 21.3%

– 63 Street Eastbound (La Gorce Drive to Indian Creek Drive)

• • • Travel Time Improved: 16.3%
    • Total Delay Reduced: 24%
    • Stops Reduced: 21.4%

The City of Miami Beach is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It hosts major events and attracts millions of visitors every year. The TSM&O Office recognized the city’s unique traffic challenges and implemented the data-driven strategies that improved signal timing at key corridors. As a result, motorists are now experiencing safer, more reliable travel throughout the city.

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CTAC is mandated by the State of Florida to serve as the liaison between the public and the TPO’s Governing Board. The committee is composed of appointed community leaders to advocate for the citizens of Miami-Dade County and ensure the TPO’s transportation plans are working to meet the community’s needs.

TSM&O staff provided the newly appointed CTAC members with a guided tour of the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC). The group received an overview of TSM&O’s core services, including traffic management, incident management, and traveler information. Members also visited the TMC control room, where they observed the operator workstations and the recently upgraded video wall. The visit showcased the integration of advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, including real-time traffic monitoring, incident detection, and traveler information tools that support quick response and clearance efforts. Staff also demonstrated how the TMC collaborates with first responders to manage incidents and mitigate congestion. CTAC members expressed their appreciation for the high level of service the TMC provides to ensure the safety and reliability of South Florida’s transportation network.

Following the tour, the committee participated in a briefing led by representatives from FDOT and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE). The discussion focused on each agency’s respective Five-Year Work Program, which outlines planned projects and funding priorities designed to address community needs. These programs emphasize investments that enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and expand mobility options throughout the region.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration and information exchange. It allowed FDOT to engage directly with this key advisory group and highlight ongoing efforts to enhance transportation safety and mobility across Miami-Dade County.

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The multi-day conference had a comprehensive agenda of technical sessions, panel discussions, and live demonstrations. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and learn how agencies worldwide are addressing critical issues such as traffic management, mobility solutions, and safety enhancements. The exhibits and demonstrations showcased emerging tools designed to improve roadway operations, from connected and automated vehicle applications to advanced data analytics that enhance decision-making and system performance. FDOT staff attended several track sessions, where they learned about applications such as SceneScape that creates digital twin models that makes virtual simulations of traffic management scenarios to test systems and predict outcomes. They also attended the workforce development workshop where a panel discussed how to create work environments that empower employees to expand their skillsets by hosting educational seminars and events. The workshop emphasized the need to create a “culture of curiosity” to promote the professional evolution of staff and a better future for our industry.

Events like ITS World Congress provide District Six staff with a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, gain insight in best practices, and strengthen professional networks. The knowledge and strategies shared during these sessions are important for South Florida, where population growth and high travel demand require innovative approaches to keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently.

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The meeting is hosted to promote communication between partner agencies who provide incident management support for the western corridors of Miami-Dade County, including State Road 826, Palmetto Express, I-75, 75 Express, Okeechobee Road, and Krome Avenue. It gives stakeholders the opportunity to meet face-to-face and share critical information about their respective projects to mitigate potential impacts and ensure collaboration.

Representatives from the FDOT District Six TSM&O Office opened the meeting and briefed partners about their latest initiatives, including the Wrong-Way Driving Detection System, updates to the Rapid Incident Scene Clearance contract, the commencement of tolling operations of Palmetto Express Lanes, and the planning for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Representatives for the Golden Glades Interchange Enhancement and Okeechobee Road Reconstruction projects also presented on their respective efforts to inform partners about the upcoming closures and activities that may impact traffic.

The presentations concluded with an open discussion where partners asked questions and shared additional information. Stakeholders value these meetings because they provide pertinent updates that may affect their operations. For more information about the TIM Program, please visit SunGuide.info.

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District Six TSM&O staff gave three technical presentations at this prestigious conference. Staff presented on the “Evolution of the SunGuide TMC” at the TSM&O Spotlight on Florida session. This presentation highlighted the regional challenges, operational solutions, and milestones achieved by the District over the past 20 years. Staff also presented on the “Latest V2X Strategies for Incident Management” and on the “Warning Gate System on 95 Express” at the Vehicle to Everything Applications in Florida technical session. These presentations discussed the district’s latest projects, including the Bridge Notification System, Wrong Way Driving Notification System, and Connected Vehicles among other projects. The presentations were well received and reinforced District Six’s reputation as a leader in transportation innovation. In addition to presenting, staff also participated in a poster session, attended council meetings and peer-to-peer networking forums, further expanding their professional experience.

District Six TSM&O staff regularly attend conferences like ITE International allowing them to stay at the forefront of emerging trends, exchange best practices, and bring forward-thinking transportation solutions back to South Florida.

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The first wildfire began on March 18, 2025, near Card Sound Road, resulting in a full roadway closure for three days. As the wildfire rapidly spread to the west, it affected State Road 5/US 1 along the 18-mile Stretch which caused intermittent full closures that totaled eleven hours. A second wildfire occurred on May 8, 2025 in the same area, again forcing closures on both routes. These events had widespread impacts, as US 1 is the primary access point to the Florida Keys. Card Sound Road serves as the main alternate route for the 18-mile Stretch between Key Largo and Florida City. These closures temporarily blocked public access to and from the Keys, which impacted mobility and safety in the area.

Throughout both incidents, the SunGuide Transportation Management Center (STMC) staff coordinated with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Florida Highway Patrol, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Six Emergency Operations Center to share real-time traffic camera feeds and issue live updates. STMC Operators posted information on the dynamic message signs and published alerts through Florida 511 to ensure timely communication with the public and key stakeholders.

The coordinated response helped mitigate the effects of the closures and ensured that real-time information was delivered to the traveling public and emergency agencies.

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The meeting brought together key stakeholders from transportation, law enforcement, emergency management, and utility agencies to discuss strategies and updates for the 2025 hurricane season. Presentations focused on hurricane preparedness, construction updates, and special event planning, with a shared goal of improving safety and communication across Monroe County.

The District Six Transportation Management Center (TMC) shared updates to the Hurricane Response Action Plan, implementation of evacuation signal timing plans along US 1/Overseas Highway, tools like the eSTORM dashboard for monitoring post-storm traffic device infrastructure, and dynamic message sign coordination during emergencies. The TMC also reviewed lessons learned from recent wildfires that impacted the 18-mile Stretch earlier this year and provided updates on special events such as Mini Lobster Season and Fantasy Fest.

The Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise detailed its Emergency Shoulder Use Plan (ESU), Specialty Towing and Roadside Repair (STARR) program, and fuel supply strategies based on previous storm experiences. The District Six Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reinforced its mission support capabilities and showcased the recent upgrades to the EOC command room. The Monroe County Emergency Management Interim Director discussed evacuation protocols, re-entry checkpoints, and the county’s new hardened EOC facility.

The meeting also included updates on active and upcoming construction projects such as the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s Plantation Key Transmission Main Replacement. This project is replacing the 36-inch water main pipe along US 1 yet comes with impacts to area traffic. District Six Construction discussed state projects including the roadway resurfacing project from MM 108 to MM 112.

The National Weather Service (NWS)-Florida Keys provided its insightful look at the 2025 hurricane season. The season is expected to be very active with a forecast of 13 to 19 named storms including 3 to 5 major hurricanes. The dangers of storm surge were discussed. NWS-Florida Keys will support Monroe County Emergency Management with on-site meteorologists.

This meeting continues to serve as a critical platform for agencies to collaborate, share data, and prepare for emergency response. The Monroe County TIM Team remains committed to fostering interagency coordination and promoting a unified approach to incident management across the Florida Keys.

All meeting presentations and minutes are available at: https://sunguide.info/incident-management-service/tim-team/tim-meetings/

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