Skip to main content

NEMA publishes new standard for portable traffic signals

The US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA TS 5-2017 Portable Traffic Signal Systems (PTSS) Standard.
May 22, 2017 Read time: 1 min

The US 7174 National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA TS 5-2017 Portable Traffic Signal Systems (PTSS) Standard. This new standard covers traffic signalling equipment used to enable and expedite the safe movement of vehicle traffic in work zones during roadway construction, such as single-lane road closures during emergencies and planned events.

PTSS are commonly used to supersede flag use during roadway construction. While PTSS are used most commonly for single-lane road closures, they are also used during or after times of emergencies, planned events and non-normative vehicular signalisation needs.

PTSS are also used before or while permanent signals are being installed to reduce traffic bottlenecks and improve intersection safety during these transition times. PTSS are designed to enable critical movement of traffic using the implementation of appropriate new and existing standards.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • EDI launches new MMU2 SmartMonitor series
    December 12, 2012
    Recently launched by Eberle Design (EDI) the MMU2-16LEip and MMU2-16LE SmartMonitors fully comply with the recently updated NEMA TS2-2003 (R2008) Standard for Traffic Controller Assemblies, Amendment No. 4-2012. This new standards update defines Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) operation for both the controller unit and the MMU. EDI says it is also very proud to be the first MMU manufacturer to be fully conformant to the new NEMA standard and MUTCD requirements. The new SmartMonitor series is designed to monitor
  • Communications redundancy increases VMS reliability
    December 17, 2014
    Hybrid communications to variable message signs increase resilience to natural disasters and enable deployment in remote areas, as Alan Allegretto explains. Variable Message Signs (VMSs) are a common sight and a well-proven means to improve public safety on our roads and highways. ITS professionals rank the VMS as second only to interoperable radios as the most important technology to improve effectiveness during emergency incidents and evacuations. Ironically, however, current systems suffer from one criti
  • Kapsch TrafficCom to provide traffic management and staffing for Louisiana DOTD
    July 20, 2017
    The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has selected Kapsch TrafficCom (Kapsch) to provide management and staffing services for the DOTD Traffic Management Centers (TMCs), each with varying levels of support and staffing appropriate for daily operations. DOTD currently operates five TMCs and provides Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) services in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lake Charles areas, as well as MAP services for various construction projects state-wide. The cont
  • Hard shoulder running aids uniform traffic flow and safer driving
    January 23, 2012
    David Crawford detects a market for European experience. Well-established now in at least three European countries, Hard Shoulder Running (HSR) on motorways is exciting growing interest in the US. A November 2010 Report to Congress by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on the Efficient Use of Highway Capacity, notes the role of HSR in the European-style Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies now being recommended for implementation in the US where, until recently, they were virtually unknown.