(Gainesville) – Georgia DOT’s Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) coverage now extends north along Interstate 985 (I-985). The expansion of the state funded roadside assistance program is expected to help reduce highway congestion and increase safety for drivers in Hall County.
The additional twelve miles from Spout Springs Road to Jesse Jewell/State Route 369 (SR 369) started April 15.
In the Northeast district, 24 miles of I-985 and 64 miles of I-85 are now patrolled by either HEROs or the new Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators. These responders are the key components of Georgia DOT’s incident management program.
GDOT says this additional coverage for drivers from Flowery Branch to Gainesville will increase safety and help traffic flow.
“This was the ideal time to extend the coverage to complement our CHAMP truck operators, who respond to maintenance needs and incidents on Interstate 85,” says Brent Cook, P.E. District Engineer.
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HEROs and CHAMP operators provide support to law enforcement, assist in clearing stalled vehicles from travel lanes, and help stranded motorists with minor mechanical problems. HERO Operators are equipped with emergency response training and can administer first aid.
Motorists who need help or see problems on the road should dial 511.
HERO and CHAMP operators do not accept tips or payment from the public. Assistance is provided as a service through Georgia DOT.
For more information visit www.dot.ga.gov.
