To view live traffic cameras, lane closures and more,  please visit the Traffic page.

Cobb DOT traffic engineers are responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices and an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) that includes approximately 578 traffic signals and over 350 closed circuit cameras.  

Traffic engineers also operate a Traffic Management Center (TMC) that provides centralized monitoring and control of traffic signals, facilitates effective incident and event management, provides rapid and real time communications of traffic conditions, and facilitates traffic engineering studies. 

Finally, traffic engineers conduct traffic studies and analyze a wide variety of traffic data, including turning movement counts, traffic volume counts, delay studies, speed studies and accident history and analyses. This information is primarily used to determine traffic control methods and signal timing.

Traffic Control Devices

Cobb DOT uses traffic control devices to provide for the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles throughout the transportation network. Traffic control devices are signs, signals, pavement markings and other devices that regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

All traffic control devices are installed after careful engineering study using the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ”Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD).

Cobb DOT is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of traffic control devices in unincorporated Cobb County. These devices include:

• Traffic signals 
• School flashers
• Pedestrian signals
• Traffic signs (stop, yield, etc.)
• Road name signs
• Pavement markings

Cobb DOT staff continually works to upgrade and maintain the traffic control infrastructure, performing preventative maintenance and regularly scheduled inspections throughout the year.

When signals fail or critical signs (such as stop signs) are knocked down, emergency crews are dispatched to address the issue immediately. 

Cobb's Traffic Signal System

Cobb County’s traffic signal system is much more than just the red lights at intersections. Cobb’s signal system includes a variety of equipment and infrastructure that supports the safe and efficient flow of traffic, including: 

• Poles and mast-arms
• 571 traffic signals 
• 100,000+ signs
• Markings for 750 centerline miles of thoroughfare roads
• 250 flashing beacons/school flashers
• 230 traffic surveillance cameras
• 24 dynamic message signs
• 164 bluetooth readers
• 200 miles of fiber optic cable
• Signal controller cabinets & associated electronics/hardware
• Traffic detector equipment (in-ground metal-sensing loops & overhead fixed cameras & associated equipment)
• Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS)
• Software and server updates essential to communications and system back up 

Traffic Management Center

Cobb County’s award-winning Transportation Management Center (TMC), built in 2010, is an integral part of the Metro Atlanta Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) and the statewide transportation management center operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

This 25,000 square-foot facility meets U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification and is 18% more efficient than current building codes require. Strategic window and shading devices, Energy Star appliances and an upgraded efficient mechanical system decrease operational costs. It also includes a 8 x 16 foot video screen wall that allows TMC staff to actively monitor traffic in the county.

Traffic Monitoring/Adjustments

Cobb’s TMC staff continuously monitor traffic operations throughout the county using state-of-the-art technology like the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) and MaxView. 

SCATS is an intelligent transportation system that manages the timing of signal phases at traffic signals with the goal of finding the best phasing (i.e. cycle times, phase splits and offsets) for a traffic situation (for individual intersections as well as for the whole network). 

SCATS uses sensors at traffic signals to detect vehicle presence in each lane and pedestrians waiting to cross at the local site. The vehicle sensors are generally inductive loops installed within the road pavement or vehicle detection cameras mounted on signal poles. The pedestrian sensors are usually push buttons. Information collected from these sensors allows SCATS to calculate and adapt the timing of traffic signals in the network in real-time. 

MaxView is another state-of-the-art technology used by TMC staff. This web-based software allows TMC staff to control signals remotely and allows for the real-time monitoring and operation of connected traffic signals. 

Using MaxView, TMC operators can implement predefined timings (action sets) for special events, work zones, and incidents. Action sets can also be used to mitigate recurring congestion where signal impacts vary based on the amount of traffic diverting from congested freeways.

Incident and Special Events Management

TMC staff continuously monitor CCTV cameras and respond to reports of traffic incidents by providing information to Cobb County’s police and fire departments, the Cobb DOT Road Maintenance division, city and state jurisdictions and other staff to ensure quick clearance and reduction of secondary incidents.

In addition, TMC operators plan and accommodate for increased traffic volumes resulting from pre-planned, special events around the county, such as Braves games, parades, air shows. 

Communications for Travelers

The TMC provides immediate notification of traffic incidents and travel hazards to the traveling public via 24 dynamic message signs. Information also is provided via CobbCommute and social media.