Collaboration: The key to KC Scout’s success

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We all know that KC Scout is the nation’s only bi-state traffic management system, but rarely do we  reflect on how much effort and intention goes into ensuring a successful collaboration between KDOT, MoDOT and KC Scout’s other partners. The team is multi-faceted and includes many other agencies including Kansas Highway Patrol, highly qualified consultancies, law enforcement, and other regional transportation organizations.

According to KC Scout’s Traffic Systems Supervisor Kelly Alvarez, the partnerships are integral to KC Scout’s success.

“KC Scout’s bi-state traffic management system is as unique as the cities for which we provide traffic management. Kansas City is a moniker applied to two cities: Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS. Two cities, two states but one name. Despite this, traffic is fluid between them and does not differentiate or limit travel based on the cities’ boundaries. It only makes sense that our traffic management system addresses this unique metropolitan setup and we are happy to do so,” explains Alvarez.

To maintain success, planning and collaboration is top priority.

“Each DOT has a stake in our operations which helps us formulate and/or fund various policies, practices, and needs. Each DOT has different nuances that play into our operations. This is one of the challenges that is distinctive to KC Scout; we have to take the considerations of each DOT and blend them into our operation’s practice,” says Alvarez.

 

In order to achieve this, KC Scout is often in contact with MoDOT’s two other Traffic Management Centers - Ozark Traffic and Gateway Guide,  and KDOT’s TMC, Wichway. Additionally, the team established quarterly meetings to discuss general updates, innovations, and policies which may impact other TMCs, and allows for face to face time with peers.

 

“It’s been stated that change is just about impossible without collaboration, cooperation, and consensus and I feel that may just be an understatement for KC Scout,” explains Alvarez. “Collectively, we are always working to improve our operations and streamline traffic operations for the benefit of our customer base. It is much easier to do so with the help of a team and partners.”

While KC Scout is the only official bi-state traffic management system, other states do collaborate with their neighboring states, according to Alvarez. Most often this occurs during major weather events or when an interstate is closed for any length of time proving once again how important partnership and communication is for traffic management systems.

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