Guidelines for the Use of Variable Speed Limit Systems in Wet Weather
This report provides guidance on the use of variable speed limit (VSL) systems in wet weather at locations where the operating speed exceeds the design speed and the stopping distance exceeds the available sight distance. The use of VSLs during inclement weather or other less than ideal conditions can improve safety by decreasing the risks associated with traveling at speeds that are higher than appropriate for the conditions. By using VSLs, agencies can take into account traffic volume, operating speeds, weather information, sight distance, and roadway surface condition when posting speed limits. This report provides guidelines for the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and enforcement of wet weather VSL systems. The guidelines presented in this report are intended for a broad range of audiences, from the transportation policy professionals who are considering whether or not their agency should use VSL systems to the engineers who are actually designing VSL systems for their jurisdictions. The information within this guidebook should be useful to anyone considering the implementation or development of a VSL system. This document also provides examples of the challenges, obstacles and issues that organizations have encountered when implementing VSL systems so that future implementers can develop practices that will increase their likelihood of success.
- Record URL:
- Summary URL:
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Science Applications International Corporation
8301 Greensboro Drive
McLean, VA United States 22102Federal Highway Administration
Office of Safety, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington DC, 20590
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Authors:
- Katz, Bryan
- O'Donnell, Cara
- Donoughe, Kelly
- Atkinson, Jennifer
- Finley, Melisa
- Balke, Kevin
- Kuhn, Beverly
- Warren, Davey
- Publication Date: 2012-8-24
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 40p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Case studies; Guidelines; Installation; Maintenance; Stopping distances; Traffic law enforcement; Variable speed limits; Wet weather
- Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01530965
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-SA-12-022
- Contract Numbers: DTFH61-10-D-00024
- Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
- Created Date: Jul 24 2014 3:15PM