Liz Fleming’s welcoming spirit and inspiring personality make the West Central Region Traffic Management Center a productive and enjoyable place to work.
Fleming began her journey with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) five years ago as a TMC Operator through a contactor. Now, she serves as the Automatic Transportation Systems Operation Supervisor where she manages 12 operators in a full-time role with ALDOT. Before stepping into transportation, she honed her communication skills in a call center, experience that now helps her navigate the fast-paced demands of traffic management.
A typical day starts with reviewing payroll before turning her attention to policy updates and the center’s daily operations. But for Fleming, the real highlight is the team.
“The best part of my job is the people I work with — the operators and engineers” Fleming said. “Being able to see the city from a different perspective by overseeing traffic flow is incredibly rewarding.”
The TMC plays a critical role in maintaining road safety by staying in constant contact with 911 centers and coordinating responses to incidents. Fleming and her team use emails, Microsoft Chats and phone calls to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, especially during emergencies.
One of her most memorable days on the job came in 2021, when a major winter storm swept through the area. The TMC operated in emergency mode and deemed some roads and bridges as impassible. She said she entered more than 100 events that day.
“I checked all the events and internal notes put in that day” Fleming said. “I put someone over communicating with the district and then we teamed up with other departments to help put in events.”
Fleming’s work impacts 13 counties across west-central Alabama, enhancing roadway safety and accessibility for countless drivers every day. It’s a responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly, knowing her efforts help keep her community moving.
That same problem-solving mindset carries over into her personal life. Outside of work, Fleming is a self-taught “master hair braider,” a skill she picked up in eighth grade. She also enjoys arts and crafts, often diving into creative projects.
“I can teach myself how to do anything as long as I’m interested,” Fleming said. “I like to think I have a PhD in YouTube.
“ You know, I think the key to happiness is enjoying your work life and home life, and I’m lucky to have both.”
