01478241

Component

Traditionally, static signs are used to convey messages to the road users. The need to quickly communicate up-to-date messages to the road users as part of Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies has given rise to the increasing use of dynamic message signs (DMS). A typical DMS includes only dynamic messages. An alternative to DMS is hybrid signs, which display both static and dynamic messages on a single sign. A hybrid sign consists of a conventional retro-reflective static sign that is embedded with one or more relatively small, dynamic, usually light emitting diode (LED) message panels. Potential advantages of hybrid signs over DMS include better legibility, shorter reading time, smaller size, and lower installation, operations, and maintenance costs. This paper provides the first state-of-the-practice review on the use, design, and performance of hybrid signs. It covers hybrid sign applications in different parts of the world, including the U.S., Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. The application areas include variable speed limit display, speed monitoring display, parking guidance system, travel time display, managed lane operations, and graphical route information display. Multiple examples of each application, many of which were considered innovative and can potentially be adopted for use in the U.S., are given. Issues related to the applications are discussed and lessons learned are provided.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB50 Traffic Control Devices.

01470560

13-4307

English

19p

2013

Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Photos; References

Design; State of the practice; Traffic speed measurement; Travel time; Variable message signs; Variable speed limits

Active traffic management

Africa; Asia; Australia; Europe; United States

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2013 Paper #13-4307

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 5 2013 12:50PM