DMS Message Design and Display Procedures (0-4023-1)

Dynamic message signs (DMSs) are permanent or portable traffic control devices with the flexibility to display a variety of messages. DMSs are being deployed extensively in major metropolitan areas in Texas; however, proper message design and application on these signs is a complex process. Although many messages can be pre-designed and called up from a message library when needed, transportation management center (TMC) operators must often modify existing messages or develop new messages in realtime to deal with the unique aspects of an incident or other special situation. The purpose of this project is to develop the logic and prototype of an automated message design system so as to assist center operators in their real-time traffic management efforts using DMSs. The research completed during the first year of a three-year project is documented in this report. During the first year, the research team visited five TMCs in Texas to review the DMS operations and the manner in which DMS messages are designed and displayed at each TMC. The information received as part of these visits is summarized in this report. In addition, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) research team developed preliminary DMS operations procedures, decision models, and flowcharts. These processes, along with a short discussion of DMS message design principles, are also contained in this report.