Public Works and Transportation - Dallas Transportation Management System

The Purpose of Dynamic Message Signs

Research studies estimate that over 50 percent of the traffic delay in the Metroplex is related to freeway incidents such as accidents or stalled cars.

Many times Dallas motorists enter the freeway only to find out that the freeway is stopped or slowed to a crawling pace due to an accident.  In order to prevent this unnecessary delay, the city plans to inform motorists about traffic conditions before they enter the freeway by displaying messages on major arterials.

Providing up-to-date information about traffic flow conditions allows motorists to make decisions about their trip, such as taking a different travel route, changing modes of transportation, or postponing a trip.  Unless a complete road closure occurs, freeway and arterial message signs will not indicate the use of a specific alternate detour route - only facts about the incident location.  Posting specific routes would quickly over saturate the freeway exit ramp and arterial.

Arterial sign messages are not limited to information about the nearest freeway or nearby intersections, but about unusual congestion throughout the Metroplex.  The more advanced notice, the more opportunities for drivers to use alternate freeways or major thoroughfares as opposed to using minor side streets once they are caught in congestion.