Data Analysis of Diversion and Dynamic Message Signs

Abstract

Dynamic message signs (DMS) are used in conjunction with other media to communicate traffic conditions, general information, and recommended diversion strategies to motorists. This study uses loop detector data from Richmond, Virginia, to estimate diversion rates attributable to DMS advisory messages on Interstate 95 where Interstate 295 is available as a comparable alternate route, thus evaluating DMS effectiveness in traffic diversion without major concerns of added trip time or quality of the alternate route. The impacts of existing message strategies are investigated to determine those messages that maximize diversion for specific circumstances. Analysis is performed for various message types for the scenario of an incident on the primary freeway, I-95, encouraging diversion of I-95 traffic to an alternate route (I-295). Results show trends where the usage of particular words in messages is more effective than others in causing diversion, and recommendations are made to create a more effective message that promotes diversion.