Developing System for Consistent Messaging on Interstate 80's Dynamic Message Signs - Phase I

Traveler Information Systems, a part of the larger field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), were originally utilized in urban areas to reduce congestion. Traveler information has become increasingly important in rural areas, especially in areas with adverse weather conditions, such as Wyoming. Dynamic message signs (DMSs) are often used to provide information during a traveler’s trip. Current research literature does not contain much guidance for the rural use of DMSs. This report analyzes the effectiveness of traveler information, with a focus on the use of DMSs on the I-80 corridor between Laramie and Cheyenne in southeast Wyoming, using several methods including evaluation of the consistency of past DMS messages, surveys of both frequent and random travelers, and statistical analyses of the correlation between speed, weather, and DMS data. The current message decision system utilized by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is also be described and evaluated. A framework for future development of an advanced decision support system using real-time speed and weather data is discussed along with suggested modifications to the current traveler information system to improve its effectiveness in the short term.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=620
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wyoming, Laramie

  Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
  1000 East University Avenue
  Laramie, WY  United States  82071

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108
• Authors:
  • Edwards, Michelle
  • Young, Rhonda Kae
• Publication Date: 2009-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 264p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Decision support systems; Messages (Communications); Real time information; Rural areas; Speed; Traveler information and communication systems; Variable message signs; Weather conditions
• Geographic Terms: Wyoming
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01130733
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: UTC, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 25 2009 8:54AM