01660278

Component

Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems are key elements of active traffic management, that are implemented in various ways depending on the targeted benefits. VSLs are displayed during inclement weather situations, in workzones or during the emergence of congestion. The goals of these systems are to harmonize, stabilize and smooth traffic flows, provide early warning to motorists of slow traffic or hazardous roadway conditions, minimize crash risk and improve traffic safety, and potentially influence driver behavior and increase driver motivation to obey the displayed speed limit. The objective of this paper is to provide the only known overview of the deployment of VSL systems worldwide. Based on a literature review focused on the use of VSL systems worldwide, data were collected via online surveys and structured interviews. It was found that 23 countries and 13 states in the U.S. have implemented VSL systems and several countries and states are currently planning to deploy VSL. Detailed maps that include information about the extent of VSL-equipped freeways illustrate the deployments of these systems. A brief description of implementations in various countries and U.S. states is also provided, along with some recommendations and lessons learned.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB15 Standing Committee on Intelligent Transportation Systems.

18-03297

English

0000-0001-5580-5293

17p

2018

Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Maps; References

Highway traffic control; Implementation; Intelligent transportation systems; International; Variable speed limits

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2018 Paper #18-03297

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:48AM