Guidelines on the Use and Operation of Changeable Message Signs

Guidelines on the Use and Operation of Changeable Message Signs
Author: Conrad L. Dudek
Publisher:
Total Pages: 120
Release: 1992
Genre: Highway communications
ISBN:

This report is intended to be a primer on the characteristics that affect the design, use and operations of changeable message signs (CMSs), and to provide guidance on the selection of the appropriate type of CMS display. Guidelines on the selection and design of CMS messages are presented in a companion report, Report No. FHWA/TX-92/1232-10 entitled "Guidelines on the Selection and Design of Messages for Changeable Message Signs". This report is an update and consolidation of the following reports: (1) C.L. Dudek and R.D. Huchingson, "Manual on Real-Time Motorist Information Displays", FHWA-IP-86-16, August 1986; (2) C.L. Dudek, "Guidelines on the Use of Changeable Message Signs", FHWA-TS-90-043, May 1991; and (3) C.L. Dudek, "Portable Changeable Message Signs at Work Zones", FHWA/TX-85/07+292-4, July 1984

Guidance for the Use of Portable Changeable Message Signs in Work Zones

Guidance for the Use of Portable Changeable Message Signs in Work Zones
Author: American Traffic Safety Services Association
Publisher:
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2013
Genre: Intelligent transportation systems
ISBN:

"The objectives of this document are: To introduce portable changeable message sign (PCMS) exploratory strategies in work zones and convey their benefits and limitations; To discuss when and how to implement the PCMS strategies; To present other key aspects to consider before and during implementation."--p. 4.

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.

Portable Changeable Message Sign Handbook

Portable Changeable Message Sign Handbook
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 25
Release: 2003*
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

The purpose of this handbook is to present basic guidelines for the use of portable changeable message signs (PCMS). This handbook presents information on the PCMS and is intended to illustrate the principles of proper PCMS use. This handbook is not intended to be a standard.

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.

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.