Citation

Hall JW, Dickenson D. Transp. Res. Rec. 1975; 531: 48-57.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1975, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Baltimore- Washington corridor to determine motorists' preferences in route diversion signing. The study site was located near the southern end of the corrdor at the interchange of I-95 and I-495. The objectives of the questionnaire study were to determine 3 types of information concerning the motorist and the diversion-signing system. In addition too determining the characteristics of drivers that use a major intercity corridor, the study sought to identify the type of real-time information desired by the road user and determine the format for conveying this information. Two different questionnaires were developed and tested, and over 6 thousand were distributed to motorists during 3 interview periods. On the basis of the motorists' responses, the study found 3 sign messages worthy of further consideration for real-time route diversion. These signs contained the following information: (a) length of congestion, (b) cause of congestion and exit instructions, and (c) alternate route information. The first type was preferred because of its conciseness. The other 2 were preferred because they conveyed a sense of authority and presented the motorist with an alternative to travel delay.