Skip to main content

NDoT bets on AMS to help Vegas traffic flow

Nevada Department of Transportation (NDoT) has installed 42 active traffic management signs (AMS) in Las Vegas to provide real-time information to drivers on crashes.
By Ben Spencer April 21, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
Predicting journey times can be a gamble in Las Vegas (© Valentin Armianu | Dreamstime.com)

NDoT says the LED signs will also provide information about speed limit changes and lane restrictions, thereby improving safety and traffic flows by reducing differential travel speeds and the likelihood of secondary crashes.

The signs have been installed along the north and southbound Interstate 15 between Russell Road and Washington Avenue as well as along US Highway 95 between Valley View and Las Vegas Boulevards as part of Project Neon. 

Variable speed limits located on the right of the sign override the typical speed limit to improve traffic flow through congested areas. 

On the left of the lane, the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) signs can be changed and opened to general traffic when at least two lanes of traffic are closed to help traffic flow around a crash or workzone. 

In this scenario, the HOV sign will display 'Open to All', which temporarily allows all vehicles to legally cross the double white line to use the HOV lane. 

Lane control arrows and 'X's located across the top of the sign structure will be activated based upon roadway conditions and traffic demands. 

A yellow 'X' with the word 'Caution' will be posted above the lane if a driver needs to proceed carefully while also displaying 'merge' if a motorist needs to prepare to merge due to a lane closing, the department adds. 

A red 'X' saying 'Closed' will be posted above the lane if it is off-limits to traffic. Once the lanes are available to drivers, a green arrow will display 'Open' above all lanes. 

 

UTC

Related Content

  • January 26, 2012
    Debating road user charging systems
    Are pre-launch trials of charging systems the way to improve public acceptance? Or is the real key a more robust political attitude? Here, leading system suppliers discuss the issue. The use of distance-based Road User Charging (RUC) is now well established, at least for heavy goods vehicles on strategic roads. However demand management for all vehicles, whether a distance-based charge or some form of cordon scheme, has yet to make significant progress. This is in spite of the logic and equity of RUC being
  • October 27, 2016
    The downside of driverless vehicles
    Driverless cars will have a detrimental effect on congestion and security while the road safety benefits can be achieved sooner and cheaper using ADAS, argues Colin Sowman. Many Governments are consulting about the introduction of driverless vehicles and even running trials. As 70% or 80% of crashes are caused by human error, the promise of a crash-free future of driverless, self-driving or autonomous vehicles (call them what you will) is alluring, as are the claims of reduced congestion and lower emissions
  • December 16, 2016
    Video analytics enhances urban rail safety
    David Crawford explores some promising innovations for North American commuters. North America is experiencing a surge in commuter rail and metro development. The US now has 75 light rail and metro networks in operation; and California, in particular, is actively exploring ways of developing the state’s existing passenger rail operations into a fully integrated system.
  • January 31, 2022
    USDoT embraces Vision Zero
    'We cannot tolerate the continuing crisis of roadway deaths,' says transport sec Pete Buttigieg