The Incident Response Team performs critical services that help maximize WSDOT’s ability to efficiently operate the state’s highway system. Roving assistance patrols in congested areas during peak traffic periods are the most visible IRT presence but the IRT personnel maintain emergency call-out availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Examples of Incident Response Team services include:

• Provide assistance to motorists such as changing flat tires, jump-starting, and other temporary repairs.
• IRT personnel are dispatched by Washington State Patrol and respond to collisions and assist WSP troopers with short term and/or long term traffic control to reduce the likelihood of secondary collisions. 
• IRT personnel regularly communicate with the WSDOT Regional Traffic Management Centers to provide on scene traffic and weather updates that are then distributed through the various WSDOT traveler information systems.
• Communicate requests for specialized WSDOT maintenance resources back to WSDOT Traffic Management Centers and coordinate response of those resources with WSP Communications Centers. 
• Assist the incident commander at major traffic incidents with scene management and clearance issues such as coordinating the response of specialized maintenance equipment such as loaders, sand trucks, etc. 
• Help coordinate emergency infrastructure repairs when necessary to expedite re-opening of lane closures. 
• Help coordinate incidental fluid spills at collision scenes in consultation with the Washington State Patrol and towing/recovery personnel. 
• Serve as the WSDOT command post representative at major incidents and/or emergencies under the National Incident Command System, and communicate situation status updates to WSDOT Traffic Management Centers and or Emergency Operations Centers.

In addition, IRT members are also frequently asked to make presentations about their work and equipment at area schools, local organizations, and other emergency response agencies.

WSDOT’s Incident Response Technicians are trained and equipped to handle all types of traffic incidents or hazards such as snowstorms, windstorms, floods, and earthquakes. Incident Response Technicians can quickly serve as the first line of defense during severe storms and natural disasters to assess damage to the transportation infrastructure, identify hazards, and take appropriate action to protect motorists and keep traffic moving.