Guidelines for the Evaluation of Dynamic Message Sign Performance

The objective of this research project was to determine appropriate guidelines and methodology for evaluating dynamic message sign (DMS) performance. National literature reviews and agency surveys were conducted and synthesized for a critical assessment of the state-of-the practice in DMS performance evaluation. DMS performance metrics were established based upon data availability, time of evaluation (pre-post), and environment of application (urban/rural). Both qualitative and quantitative DMS benefits were established with examples of associated analysis tools given and discussed. Case studies were conducted along freeway corridors where DMSs had been implemented in both urban (Houston, Texas) and rural (Amarillo, Texas) environments. The results of these case studies highlighted constraints in both data availability and appropriate analysis procedures. Final guidelines and methodology for DMS performance evaluation were produced emphasizing the limitation to assessment of both qualitative and quantitative benefits. A guidebook of DMS performance evaluation procedures was included as Appendix D in the research report.

• Record URL:
  http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-4772-1.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Project Title: Methods and Guidelines for Evaluating Dynamic Message Sign Performance. Report Date: October 2006; Published: March 2007.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Research and Technology Implementation Office, P.O. Box 5080
  Austin, TX  United States  78763-5080

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Mounce, John M
  • Ullman, Gerald L
  • Pesti, Geza
  • Pezoldt, Valmon
• Publication Date: 2007-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Technical Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 252p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Case studies; Evaluation and assessment; Guidelines; Performance; Rural areas; State of the practice; Urban areas; Variable message signs
• Geographic Terms: Amarillo (Texas); Houston (Texas)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01047432
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-07/0-4772-1, Report 0-4772-1
• Contract Numbers: Project 0-4772
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 30 2007 4:16PM