U.S. Representative Chet Edwards was in College Station at the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Aug. 27, announcing he has secured another $600,000 for a Transportation Management Center (TMC) that could become a model for other small to mid-size towns facing congestion and other traffic problems.
Edwards made the announcement at TTI’s Translink® Laboratory, which might be used as the center’s headquarters. Edwards told reporters that such a center would “improve the quality of life and boost economic growth.” While standing alongside Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee, College Station Mayor Ben White, and Brazos County Judge Randy Sims, he told reporters that everyone must work together. The elected officials told Edwards they were grateful for the funding and are backing the project.
Last year, $400,000 was earmarked for the TMC facility. Kevin Balke and Bob Brydia of TTI’s Traffic Operations Group have provided the technical guidance to allow the local communities to develop a common vision. For the center to become a reality, the newest $600,000 in funding would need to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by the president. Also, the cities, county, the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas A&M University would have to be in agreement regarding how the center would be operated and maintained.
The TMC could be used to monitor traffic with cameras set up in key locations in the community. It would also help with the coordination of traffic signals, data collection and special events planning. Bryan-College Station traffic is especially congested during the numerous Texas A&M sporting events throughout the year.
TTI Associate Agency Director Bill Stockton echoed Edwards’ comments about teamwork on the project. “The public really doesn’t care if they’re on a state road or a city of College Station road or a road in Brazos County. We want to make travel in our area seamless, and that can happen if all the entities work together.”