Portable Traffic Management System
Status: Complete
Description: The Portable Traffic Management System (PTMS) is an en route traveler information system whereby real-time traffic-responsive information is provided to drivers by means of a variable message sign (VMS) strategically placed in advance of a diversion point upstream of the work zone. The objective of the system is to advise drivers of a work zone ahead and encourage them to divert to an alternate route when there is congestion in the work zone. The PTMS was effective in encouraging some drivers to divert to an alternate route when congestion was detected in the work zone. However, its effectiveness was limited to about 4 percent diversion. Results of the driver survey suggest that its effectiveness could be improved if the diversion message DELAYS!! USE ALT ROUTE specified the alternate route drivers should take. Over 90 percent of the drivers surveyed were not from Nebraska and most likely were not familiar with the alternate route.
Report: www.ctre.iastate.edu/smartwz/reports/MwSWZDI-2000-McCoy-Portable_TMS.pdf *708 kb (Published: 2000)
State conducting research: Nebraska
Vendor: Brown Traffic
Author: McCoy, Pat (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)
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