Evaluation of Variable Message Signs in Wisconsin: Driver Survey

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Evaluation of Variable Message Signs in Wisconsin: Driver Survey

B. Ran / B. Barrett / E. Johnson

The ITS Program at the University of Wisconsin at Madison conducted a survey for the purpose of assessing drivers' opinions on travel conditions in Wisconsin, investigating the extent of drivers' knowledge regarding general freeway issues, and determining user awareness and perception of Variable Message Sign (VMS) and ramp meter. With the survey results, major perceptions regarding general transportation services, VMS and ramp meter are summarized as follows: (1) prompt emergency responses and reducing traffic congestion are considered as important needs; (2) maintaining ride quality (comfort) and overall pavement condition of the freeways is desired; (3) users are willing to change time of trips to avoid or minimize congestion; (4) users feel that speed limits are not obeyed and stricter laws need to be enforced; (5) drivers are quite familiar with both VMS and ramp meters; (6) variable message signs are useful to report weather and traffic conditions. However, more updated messages would be helpful for the drivers; and (7) ramp meters have been effective in controlling congestion.