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60038-1 Report Abstract

The Cost-Effectiveness and Energy Benefits of Dynamic Lane Assignment Signs

Carroll J. Messer, Dayakar Prabhakar, and Vickie A. Morris, Texas A&M University System, June 1994, 87 pp.

This research report documents the procedure adopted to identify the most cost-effective Dynamic Lane Assignment Signs (DALAS) system for various freeway design and operations problems. This procedure involves evaluation of the operational effectiveness of the two DALAS systems now operating in Texas cities, estimation of true construction and maintenance costs, performance of cost-effectiveness analysis of the two systems, recommendation of optimal strategies for various typical applications, and estimation of potential energy savings for all designs.

Chapter One, provides background information, discusses the need to identify the most cost-effective DALAS system for various applications, and outlines the objectives of the research program. Chapter Two and Chapter Three discuss the operational effectiveness of the advanced version of DALAS system being used in Houston and the basic version of DALAS system being used in Dallas, respectively.

Chapter Four explains the cost-effectiveness methodology used. Chapter Five provides estimates of the capital costs of the two signage systems. Chapter Six discusses the potential energy savings associated with the use of the DALAS system as compared to the static lane assignment system (the basic system). Chapter Seven documents the conclusions and recommendations of the research.

Keywords: Dynamic Lane Assignment Signs, Electromechanical Signs, Fiber Optic Signs, Traffic Signs

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Reference Report #60038-1