Skip to main content

Caltrans sets sights on Swarco McCain signage

CMS 800 signs replace CMS 700 series, jointly developed with California agency
By Adam Hill April 18, 2023 Read time: 1 min
Travel times, incident notifications: road users need them (© Iofoto | Dreamstime.com)

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has renewed a deal for Swarco McCain's variable message signs (VMS).

The McCain CMS 800 signs replace the CMS 700 series, jointly developed with Caltrans, and are NEMA TS4-compliant.

Dean Campbell, Caltrans chief at the Office of Systems Development, says: "The CMS 800 signs increase the message contrast and visibility, which helps effectively communicate safety information for all road travellers.”

The full-colour LED displays are available outside California, adds Justin Sigel, director of signs at Swarco McCain.

The CMS 800 features Swarco's patented Precision Optics lens technology and integrated surface-mount 3-in-1 RGB LEDs, which provide exceptional visibility, the firm says - and the 110/120 VAC, 60 Hz internal power supply means exceptionally low energy consumption and low operational costs.

"The CMS 800 has the lowest total cost of ownership, thanks to extremely low power consumption and interchangeable field service assemblies," Sigel suggests.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • UK VMS manufacturers merge
    April 2, 2015
    Two major companies in the field of signage systems for highways, urban and rail sectors have joined forces, Variable Message Signs Limited (VMSL) and Techspan Systems, creating a stronger business with a broad product range and an extensive technical capability. Following the acquisition of VMSL in 2014, Hill & Smith Limited realised the opportunity to create a world class provider of variable message signs and systems as part of its HS Roads Technology Division. The new combined business will operate und
  • Hong Kong's integrated traffic management system
    May 22, 2012
    Hong Kong’s Route 8 now features an extensive and advanced traffic control and surveillance system developed to overcome challenges of great scale and complexity, write Delcan vice president Rex Lee and MD Joseph Lam
  • OPTIPARK® - Wayfinding & Parking Guidance Solutions
    May 1, 2021

    OPTIPARK® Wayfinding integrates real-time data from any parking access and revenue control system (PARCS) provider, parking operator, valet system or parking guidance system via one central software platform. This parking information can be displayed on McCain’s vibrant large full-colour Variable Messaging Signs (VMS). Utilising OPTIPARK central software, parking facility operators can remotely monitor VMS, detectors and car park information from one central system. The easy-to-use interface and accessibility via a web browser make OPTIPARK a simple and effective way to manage traffic.

  • Options abound for road weather sensing
    September 6, 2017
    Meteorological organisations invest millions in super-computers to crunch data for ever-more accurate forecasts but inherent unpredictability means that other methods of alerting drivers and road authorities to fast-changing weather and highway conditions are essential. For years, static weather sensors to measure factors such as surface water, ice or high roadway temperatures have been embedded in highways to provide such data. But that is changing.