TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGY: CAN IT UNLOCK GRIDLOCKS.

In Chicago, Illinois, what's claimed to be the world's first and largest freeway traffic surveillance and control system helps speed 300,000 vehicles a day along a six-country expressway network. Operated by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the model freeway traffic management program consists of three major parts: the Traffic Systems Center in Oak Park, California, the Communication Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the Emergency Traffic Patrol headquartered four south of downtown Chicago. The Communications Center handles all district radio dispatching and "hot lines." It also coordinates traffic and maintenance information operations.