COLUMBUS – The N.C. Department of Transportation recently expanded its
Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) coverage along Interstate 26 in western North Carolina. The new service area extends from Exit 54 (U.S. 25) in Henderson County to the South Carolina state line.
This expansion is part of NCDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety, reduce congestion, and provide timely assistance to motorists. The newly covered section includes key travel corridors through Henderson and Polk counties — including the Saluda Grade, a steep and heavily traveled portion of I-26 that presents unique challenges for drivers. IMAP now covers 52 miles of I-26 between South Carolina and Madison County.
“My partner and I are both local to the area and know it well,” said IMAP responder Jason Smith, who covers the newly expanded route. “That familiarity allows us to respond quickly and assist drivers without long wait times.”
IMAP is a free service operated by NCDOT that assists with:
- Managing traffic at crash scenes
- Providing fuel, water, or jump-starts
- Assisting with flat tires
- Removing minor roadway debris
The program is designed to reduce secondary crashes, minimize delays and support emergency responders. IMAP vehicles are easily identifiable to motorists by their blue and white markings, NCDOT and GEICO logos and highly reflective safety markings to make them more visible at night.
“Extending our IMAP coverage to the South Carolina border allows us to better serve drivers in the region and respond more efficiently to incidents along this busy stretch of I-26,” said Chad Franklin, NCDOT’s regional intelligent transportation systems engineer. “This expansion reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources and ensuring the safety and mobility of both residents and visitors traveling through North Carolina.”
For more information about IMAP and other NCDOT safety programs, visit
www.NCDOT.gov