The use of variable message signs (VMSs) is generally considered to be a powerful tool to influence route choice so as to increase safety and comfort during driving and improve network performance and to make optimum use of available capacity. Assessing whether such effects actually occur when VMSs are installed is a difficult task. This paper summarizes an extensive evaluation study carried out on the installation of 14 new VMSs on the Amsterdam orbital motorway. The study involves a number of issues. First, a networkwide analysis of aggregate performance indicators, such as traffic performance, severity of congestion, and travel time delay, is included. Second, the relation between the messages displayed on the VMS and the travel times experienced by drivers is analyzed. Finally, a stimulus-response analysis to find out how drivers actually respond to the messages is described. The study showed that the use of VMSs has a positive impact on network performance in the Amsterdam freeway system. Total congestion has decreased, and traffic performance has increased. Variation in congestion has decreased as well as variation in average travel speed. This finding implies that travel time has become more reliable and that the traffic flow is more homogeneous. The technical assessment showed that the displayed queue lengths, if interpreted correctly by drivers, are a good measure for expected delay. User response analysis showed that information has a significant effect on route choice. In general, the VMSs were found to improve the efficiency and reliability of the freeway system.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Evaluating Networkwide Effects of Variable Message Signs in the Netherlands


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1999-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Evaluating Networkwide Effects of Variable Message Signs in the Netherlands

    Kraan, M. / van der Zijpp, N. / Tutert, B. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999



    Effect of Road Grade on Networkwide Vehicle Energy Consumption and Ecorouting

    Levin, Michael W. / Duell, Melissa / Waller, S. Travis | Transportation Research Record | 2014