AASHTO Journal - Georgia DOT Restores ‘HERO’ Patrols to Atlanta Highways

On July 1, the Georgia Department of Transportation restored active Highway Emergency Response Operators or “HERO” patrols in the overnight hours seven days a week – soon to go to 24/7 coverage – for nearly 400 miles of interstate highways across metro Atlanta region.

[Above photo by Georgia DOT]

The agency said HERO patrols have many responsibilities but are primarily responsible for roadway clearance after traffic-related incidents – ensuring that normal traffic flow is restored on metro Atlanta interstates. Additionally, the program offers free roadside assistance, including assisting stranded motorists with flat tires and dead batteries, while providing fuel and engine coolant as needed.

“HEROs are our first and best resource to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently in metro Atlanta,” said Russell McMurry, Georgia DOT commissioner, in a statement. “The reinstatement of full service of HERO’s coverage area with 24/7 patrols is reflective of [our] commitment to providing consistent and immediate assistance to everyone who uses our roadways.”

The long-standing HERO program served motorists across metro Atlanta since 1994, including around-the-clock active patrols, until 2023, when staffing challenges resulted in Georgia DOT reducing HERO hours of active patrols to 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day to ensure adequate coverage on Atlanta-area interstate highways during peak traffic times.

To help deal with that shortage, Georgia DOT’s Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program or ‘CHAMP’ – responsible for roadway clearance and roadside assistance outside of metro Atlanta – stepping in to provide additional support to ensure adequate coverage.

“Traffic incidents do not operate on a schedule and through the hard work and dedication of our HERO and CHAMP units, every interstate was monitored during the reduction of the HERO active patrol schedule and coverage,” noted Tyrone McCord III, HERO unit manager at Georgia DOT.

“Now that we are back to a full staff, thanks to effective recruitment strategies and intensive training, we are committed to patrolling the nearly 400 miles of metro Atlanta roads at all hours to improve public safety, reduce traffic delays and be better prepared for emergencies,” he added.