Emerging Concepts in Innovative Sign Management Programs

Transportation agencies deploy and maintain millions of traffic signs in the United States. These include regulatory, warning, guide, work zone, motorist service, recreational and cultural interest, and tourist signs. Managing these large inventories under increasing requirements for reporting, accountability, and liability has caused many transportation agencies to reexamine sign management techniques. Conventional methods of sign management, which range from paper-based systems to relational data bases, have limited capabilities and inherent inefficiencies. Additionally, liability concerns are an increasing concern for many transportation agencies. The identification and application of emerging technologies for improving sign management inventory programs are addressed. Conventional sign management practices are described, and existing technologies promising the potential for more efficient and effective sign management are discussed. Because technologies range in price and complexity, an analysis that sizes technologies to markets is presented. Rather than emphasizing the development of new technology, it is proposed that existing technologies be combined to greatly improve current sign management practices.