Advanced Notification Messages and Use of Sequential Portable Changeable Message Signs in Work Zones

Advanced Notification Messages and Use of Sequential Portable Changeable Message Signs in Work Zones
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 90
Release: 2005
Genre: Traffic signs and signals
ISBN:

In this report, researchers document the results of a laptop-based human factors study of alternative formats of presenting advance notice work zone information on portable changeable message signs (PCMSs) and a Texas Transportation Institute (TII) driving simulator study of the ability of motorists to capture and process information on two PCMSs used in sequence to convey information about upcoming traffic situations. Based on the studies, researchers recommend that messages that require the display of calendar dates for future roadwork and other traffic control activities should utilize a message format consisting of the three-character abbreviation of the month (e.g., APR for April) in conjunction with the date. When future work activities span several days all in the same month, the month needs be noted only once in the message (i.e., APR 21-23) rather than repeating the month (i.e., APR 21-APR 23). The ITI driver simulator study results indicate the need to keep overall messages at or below the four-unit maximum recommended in existing guidelines. Researchers found that presenting five units of information on sequential PCMSs resulted in low comprehension rates, below what would be acceptable for highway applications. However, by keeping the message length to four units, it does appear that the use of sequential PCMSs will result in comprehension rates comparable to those obtained by presenting the same information at a single location on a large dynamic message sign (DMS), and is recommended as an acceptable formatting approach for TxDOT. Comprehension may be enhanced by repeating one of the units of information on both PCMSs.

Human Factors Guidelines for Road Systems

Human Factors Guidelines for Road Systems
Author: John L. Campbell
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 319
Release: 2012
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0309258162

"This report completes and updates the first edition of NCHRP Report 600: Human Factors Guidelines for Road Systems (HFG), which was published previously in three collections. The HFG contains guidelines that provide human factors principles and findings for consideration by, and is a resource document for, highway designers, traffic engineers, and other safety practitioners."--Foreword.

Development of a Field Guide for Portable Changeable Message Sign Use in Work Zones

Development of a Field Guide for Portable Changeable Message Sign Use in Work Zones
Author: Gerald L. Ullman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2005
Genre: Road work zones
ISBN:

In this report, researchers document the development of a field guide for portable changeable message sign use in work zones. Included in the report is a summary and critique of available national and state-level standards and guidance on portable changeable message sign (PCMS) use, description of the components included in the field guide, and implementation considerations for field guide deployment. The field guide was developed as a stand-alone product, but is included for illustrative purposes as an appendix to this report.

Handbook of Driving Simulation for Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology

Handbook of Driving Simulation for Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology
Author: Donald L. Fisher
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 728
Release: 2011-04-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1420061011

Effective use of driving simulators requires considerable technical and methodological skill along with considerable background knowledge. Acquiring the requisite knowledge and skills can be extraordinarily time consuming, yet there has been no single convenient and comprehensive source of information on the driving simulation research being conduc

Report

Report
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 230
Release: 1964
Genre: Highway research
ISBN:

Roadside Design Guide

Roadside Design Guide
Author: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Task Force for Roadside Safety
Publisher:
Total Pages: 560
Release: 1989
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

Policies for Use of Changeable Message Signs in Highway Work Zones

Policies for Use of Changeable Message Signs in Highway Work Zones
Author: Siim Soot
Publisher:
Total Pages: 218
Release: 1999
Genre: Electronic traffic controls
ISBN:

Portable Changeable Message Sign (PCMS) systems used in work zones are programmable supplementary traffic control devices that display messages composed of letters, symbols or both and provide information and instructions to the traveling public approaching work zone activities. The study seeks to develop warrants and criteria for PCMS deployment in Illinois highway work zones. It is recommended that PCMS systems be used during long- and intermediate-term stationary work, for traffic control through incident areas, and in projects where advance-time notification is needed. The discussion focuses on spacing criteria, number of signs required, sign visibility and message legibility, text alignment, distance criteria, message length, duration and type, project-level operational guidelines, message storage and dissemination, repair, maintenance and utility costs, as well as control and coordination issues. The study concludes that additional research is needed in order to: develop a comprehensive standardized statewide database of messages and message abbreviations; develop a comprehensive repository with information about the technology of the various components of the PCMS units; coordinate PCMS units used in highway work zones with a corridor or regional ATMS system; and maintain information about the use of a PCMS unit in a work zone project and possibly integrate it with other relevant information in a management system.

Safety at Street Works and Road Works

Safety at Street Works and Road Works
Author: Great Britain: Department for Transport
Publisher:
Total Pages: 105
Release: 2013-10-01
Genre: Roads
ISBN: 9780115531453

This publication sets out the statutory requirements for signing, lighting, and guarding at street works and road works. This is the core reference manual for utility companies, local authorities, street work contractors and others whose day-to-day business involves street works (works by statutory undertakers and other utility companies etc) and road works (works to maintain or repair road infrastructure). The code, which covers all of the UK and includes national variations, is now compulsory for highway/road authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It applies to all single carriageway roads and dual carriageways with a speed limit of 40 mph or less. The code is now divided into three parts: Basic Principles, Operations, and Equipment and Vehicles; site layout diagrams have been redrawn to make them easier to understand. There is: increased emphasis on using risk assessment and guidance on what to consider in such assessments; strengthened guidance on providing for pedestrians and cyclists and new guidance on traffic control measures related to road closures, one-way working and temporary road obstructions; enhanced advice on other traffic control measures including works near tramways and railways, and mobile/short duration works; and updated advice on high visibility clothing and the signing and conspicuity requirements for work vehicles. Effective from 1 October 2014 when it will supersede the 2001 edition (ISBN 9780115519581).