NYSDOT Region 10 HELP Trucks (NY)

New York State Region 10 HELP Trucks

Information

NYSDOT Region 10 - Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties):

History

The HELP program started on Long Island in 1993. It was originally called CATs - Commuter Assist Teams. The existing HELP program had its debut in 1994. During 2018, HELP trucks provided nearly 21,000 “assists” and over a quarter million total to date on Long Island. On an average, HELP drivers respond to or report over 1,000 accidents a year and in addition, they summon police assistance over 600 times a year for a multitude of reasons.

Immediately after the tragic events on September 11, HELP extended coverage hours and patrolled the entire day. As State Police closed roadways normally patrolled, HELP trucks were moved to other roads now receiving usually heavy traffic. Extended hours and coverage areas continued during the NYSDOT’s response to this tragedy.

Extended HELP coverage was a primary tool used by NYSDOT Region 10 for traffic management during the U.S. Open at Bethpage. Extended hours (6:00AM to 8:30 PM) and extended geographic coverage were provided for the entire duration of the event.

Operations

Each HELP vehicle patrols a specific segment of the roadway called a "sector", the combination of one or more sectors creating a "beat". There are seven beats in Region 10 that cover portions of I-495 (Long Island Expressway), Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, Northern, Southern, Sagtikos, Meadowbrook, and Wantagh State Parkways along with a small stretch on NY Route 27 from the Southern State Parkway to NY Route 112. HELP services are also provided from Valley Stream eastward on the Southern State Parkway and from Little Neck Parkway eastward on I-495 and Northern State Parkway.

Hours of Operation

• • Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
  • Hours are expanded as needed for special events and holidays.

Radio Operations/Setup

Unknown at this time..

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