HELP Program
Now including Rural HELP
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) operates HELP trucks on Tennessee's most heavily traveled highways in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville. The program began in 1999 for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and assisting motorists in distress.
The primary goal at a crash scene is "Quick Clearance." By providing early warnings to approaching traffic via digital boards and assisting the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) with scene management, they help prevent secondary crashes and reduce overall travel delays.
Beginning
in 2026 the program will expand to cover the rural interstates across the
entire state of Tennessee. Thanks to a historic investment in the state's
transportation budget, TDOT is now able to address the unique challenges of
rural highways. Because rural crashes often occur at higher speeds, Rural HELP
ensures that professional assistance and protective scene management reaches
these locations much faster than before.
Rural HELP will:
· Extend
the successful HELP Program into rural areas.
· Cover870+ miles of interstates across all four regions.
· Be delivered through a performance-based contract to ensure quick, safe, coordinated roadway clearance.
·
The mission of HELP is to minimize traffic congestion, promote the safe movement of people and products, and improve the travel environment. We work in partnership with emergency response agencies and other TDOT units as part of a highway incident management team. We are committed to performing all our duties in a professional manner.