DOT’s HERO Coverage Extending North of I-985

Georgia DOT’s Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) coverage will now extend north along Interstate 985 (I-985) to reduce highway congestion and increase safety for Georgia drivers in Hall county. The additional eight miles from Spout Springs Road to Jesse Jewell/State Route 369 (SR 369) started April 15.

Now in the Northeast district, 24 miles of I-985 and 64 miles of I-85 will be patrolled by either HEROs or our new Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators. These responders are the key components of Georgia DOT’s incident management program.

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,” said Brent Cook, P.E. District Engineer.

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.

There is no charge for HERO or CHAMP services as they are provided by Georgia DOT. For more information about these programs including funding for HERO and CHAMP programs, please visit our www.dot.ga.gov.