• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Logo

Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • X
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Work Zone Data
    • At a Glance
    • National & State Traffic Data
    • Work Zone Traffic Crash Trends and Statistics
    • Worker Fatalities and Injuries at Road Construction Sites
  • Topics of Interest
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
    • Smart Work Zones
    • Work Zone Safety and MobilityTransportation Management Plans
    • Accommodating Pedestrians
    • Worker Safety and Welfare
    • Project Coordination in Work Zones
  • Training
    • Online Courses
    • FHWA Safety Grant Products
    • Toolboxes
    • Flagger
    • Certification and
      Accreditation
  • Work Zone Devices
  • Laws, Standards & Policies
  • Public Awareness
  • About
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Search
Publication

Impediments to the Effective Use of Portable Variable Message Signs at Freeway Work Zones

Author/Presenter: Halloin, David
Abstract:

Portable variable message signs have the ability to provide motorists with real-time information regarding changes in roadway traffic conditions and construction activities as well as providing motorists with information about the actions that should be taken due to these conditions. Because they can relay numerous messages about current freeway construction and maintenance work zone conditions, and because they have the ability to command attention, they are very effective when used properly. However, when they are not used properly these signs begin to lose their ability to command attention and are ignored by motorists. In order for the signs to be effective, everything possible must be done to assure that messages displayed on these devices are accurate and current at all times. To improve the operations of these devices, one must determine where the need for improvement is most prevalent. This study used a survey to examine the practices of numerous entities across the United States and Canada in an attempt to identify impediments to the effective and efficient use of these portable variable message signs used in freeway construction and maintenance work zones. Once information about operating practices were gathered from the participating entities, the various operating procedures used were compared to procedures recommended by researchers who determined the most beneficial methods of operating these devices. Discrepancies between operating procedures and recommended procedures were noted, along with comments by the entities as to the effectiveness with which the signs performed specific duties. Through this process impediments were associated with certain practices. Recommendations for improving PVMS operations through dealing with impediments were made in many different levels of sign operation. Recommendations in this report deal with personnel issues as well as equipment and technologies used. Certain guidelines and standards are suggested as reference materials to be used in signing operations and in personnel training. Specific guidelines are recommended regarding message length and other message display issues. Techniques for signing and personnel procedures are also addressed.

Publisher: Texas Transportation Institute
Publication Date: August 1996
Publication Types: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Topics: Changeable Message Signs; Intelligent Transportation Systems; Traffic Control Devices; Work Zones

Copyright © 2025 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a project of the ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation. It is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Texas A&M Transportation Institute. | Copyright Statement · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation, American Road and Transportation Builders Association U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas A&M Transportation Institute