Citation

Stockton WR, Dudek CL, Fambro DB, Messer CJ. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 600: 40-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that changeable message signs may be an effective tool for communicating with urban freeway drivers. Through motorist diversion, they contribute to the reduction in overall delay to the motorist as well as the reduction in total demand on the freeway. Especially important was the significantly positive reaction to the signs and toward the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation for their attempts at reducing congestion. Five specific findings are drawn from the results of this research. First, the freeway sign was visible and had a high target value (96 percent of the motorist responding to questionnaires had seen the signs). Second, a majority of motorists understood the signs and the several messages. Of those who understood, 82 percent used the information. Third, the motoring public did not satisfactorily learn the letter grade and freeway condition relationship. Lack of anchoring of the rating scale may have been a contributing factor. Fourth, a majority (78 percent) of the respondents rated the system useful or very useful, including a slight majority (51 percent) who indicated that the system could be improved. Fifth, the analysis of motorist comments revealed that the indication of which lane is blocked when LANE BLOCKED is displayed is highly desirable.