The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) recently opened a new State Operations Center (SOC) in Omaha.
The center was formed by merging NDOT’s State Operations Center and the District 2 Operations Center. The new SOC will monitor and operate the state highway network.
Merging allows the state to better manage the system and provide efficiency and consistency statewide. The facility features updated technology and resources to allow the state to prepare for the management of everyday issues and emergency responses.
The original SOC was founded more than 20 years ago. At the time, one person took calls and updated the 511 system. NDOT employees in each of the eight districts completed the same tasks. The centers activated for weather events, major crashes and other incidents.
“Our response has shifted from individual people constantly being on call on the weekends and evenings, to where we are today in this building,” NDOT SOC Manager Jessica Sherwood said at a press conference. “Working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the State Operations Center’s number one goal and priority is to provide the most accurate and timely information to the traveling public through our 511 system as well as through social media posts and other public outreach.”