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Planning Guidance for the Installation and Use of Technology Devices for Transportation Operations and Maintenance

ENTERPRISE Transportation Pooled Fund Study

Dynamic Message Sign (DMS)

For purposes of the ITS device guidance process, DMS are defined as either fixed or portable signs capable of displaying any text message entered by an operator (either locally or through remote access).

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) contains the national standards governing all traffic control devices. DMS (described as Changeable Message Signs in the MUTCD) are one traffic control device covered by the MUTCD (MUTCD 2009 Edition Chapter 2L. Changeable Message Signs. In MUTCD Section 2L:

Section 2L.01 addresses the description of Changeable Message Signs;

Section 2L.02 addresses applications of Changeable Message Signs;

Section 2L.03 addresses legibility and visibility of Changeable Message Signs;

Section 2L.04 addresses design characteristics of Changeable Message Signs;

Section 2L.05 addresses message length and information of Changeable Message Signs:

Section 2L.06 addresses installation of permanent Changeable Message Signs.

The planning guidelines are intended to be an additional tool to assist agencies in the decision process of selecting when and where to deploy DMS technologies, based up the experiences of agencies that have previously deployed DMS.

Engineering judgment should be used to asses potential implications that may result from installation of DMS. This planning guidance does not mandate the use of DMS.

The guidelines do not distinguish between types of DMS (portable, overhead, roadside).  Rather the intent of the guidelines are to contribute to the understanding of the need for some type of DMS.  Detailed design would contribute to the selection of the specific DMS type.

Eight (8) guidelines have been identified to capture the most common uses of DMS. While there are other purposes and uses for DMS, the guidelines developed to date have focused on the following eight. If you have suggestion of additional DMS guidelines please contact us.

DMS Guideline - 1:

To Inform Travelers of Weather Conditions

DMS Guideline- 2:

To Inform Travelers of Traffic Conditions

DMS Guideline - 3:

Changing Traffic Control or Conditions

DMS Guideline - 4:

Special Events

DMS Guideline - 5:

Parking Availability

DMS Guideline - 6:

Transit Park and Ride Lot Availability

DMS Guideline - 7:

Evacuation Routes

DMS Guideline - 8:

Jurisdictional Information