Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Traffic Incident Management Exercise or TIMEX

In June 2023, the crash of two tractor-trailers resulted in a serious hazardous materials emergency, forcing the closure of I-80 in both directions for 28 hours. As an agricultural state, Nebraska faces annual incidents of livestock trailer rollovers on its highways; resulting in lengthy closures and posing risks to public safety. Recognizing the necessity of training first responders statewide, the Nebraska Department of Transportation initiated a free Traffic Incident Management Exercise (TIMEX) built around traffic incident management (TIM) standards. The 2023 Nebraska TIMEX, costing $80,000, took place in the central region of the state and attracted over 100 participants, including two truck companies, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and state employees from various regions. TIMEX was a collaborative effort among multiple agencies aimed at enhancing support for Nebraska’s first responders and roadway users with the overarching goal of promoting safety. One outcome from the 2023 TIMEX was the establishment of a statewide responder network trained in TIM; help them more efficiently and safely clear incidents from roadways while minimizing the risk of secondary crashes caused by backed-up traffic. By providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in non-emergency situations, the state ensures that responses to real emergencies are conducted with greater safety and efficiency.