Plan to keep F1 traffic moving

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin police and the city transportation department plan to use tow trucks and traffic cameras to keep traffic moving over the Formula One Grand Prix weekend in Austin.

APD is working with 13 towing companies which will strategically fan out across Austin working 24-7 over the three-day weekend to make sure stalled vehicles and traffic accidents are cleared quickly.

Southside Wrecker, one of Austin's oldest towing companies, will have 30 of its fleet stationed around town, along State Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 183 and at the airport.

"We're trying to be prepared for anything," said Southside president Bobby New. "They're all going to have drivers in them and we run 24-7 and we plan on bringing extra people in. We've got six big wreckers and we're keeping them on standby too, just in case."

The city of Austin Transportation Department will use traffic cameras to monitor backups at intersections and manually adjust light cycles. If cars are not moving or if there is an accident, APD will use extra officers to direct traffic at intersections.

Police said the crucial element to keeping traffic moving is the circular system for buses and keeping the bus routes moving, especially along Hwy. 71, Riverside Drive and FM 812 leading out to the track.