SESA deploys dynamic Trailblazer signs for Michigan DOT

SES America (SESA) recently completed the manufacture and installation of full colour LED dynamic Trailblazer signs for the Michigan Department of Transportation and is set to soon begin manufacturing of additional signs for the next phase of this ongoing work. The signs are part of integrated corridor management along I-75 designed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Each sign is part of SESA’s Messenger 5000 embedded DMS series, a line of embedded DMS designed to display travel time, toll rate,
May 6, 2016 Read time: 2 mins

7846 SES America (SESA) recently completed the manufacture and installation of full colour LED dynamic Trailblazer signs for the Michigan Department of Transportation and is set to soon begin manufacturing of additional signs for the next phase of this ongoing work.

The signs are part of integrated corridor management along I-75 designed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Each sign is part of SESA’s Messenger 5000 embedded DMS series, a line of embedded DMS designed to display travel time, toll rate, lane status or traffic control information.

As part of this project, the embedded DMS is intended to divert and manage the influx of traffic, and reduce traffic queues and congestion on freeways for both Macomber and Oakland counties. The signs feature a full colour display capable of showing a variety of arrows that re-direct traffic as necessary on to surface roads and alternate routes. The signs are controlled by SESA’s state-of-the-art NTCIP-compliant SCU6 controller housed in field cabinets near each site. Each sign is placed at strategic locations and display the indicative arrow only when needed.

According to SESA, this combination of static sign and embedded dynamic display is cost effective, advantageously replacing an entire full colour/full matrix DMS.

For the first deployment, energy-efficient technology was utilised to minimize the quantity and size of command, control, and power components, enabling the components to be installed in a small NEMA 4X cabinet attached to each sign structure for the initial deployment. This design was refined for the subsequent deployment, allowing all components to be installed within the sign itself, while maintaining the slim sign housing design required for the project.

Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Managed lanes – the riddle wrapped up in an enigma
    December 15, 2014
    Managed lanes have something of a patchy track record and can pose authorities problems as well as solutions. Many authorities in the US and beyond have converted, or are converting, parts of the highway network into ‘Managed Lanes’ and charging motorists a fee to avoid the delays on the adjoining free use lanes. Some authorities have converted underused High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes into priced-managed high occupancy/toll lanes (HOT lanes) whereby the price charged can vary depending on a number of fa
    Read More
  • Jason Morrison, Daktronics: 'We test our products to complete failure'
    April 27, 2023
    Jason Morrison, Daktronics ITS, parking & public transport market manager, explains how ITS products can mitigate the effects of climate change – and why they must be tested in the harshest conditions
    Read More
  • Michigan transport delegation and ITS Australia meet in Melbourne
    June 26, 2025
    'Mobility and innovation are in our DNA,' says state governor Gretchen Whitmer
    Read More
  • Transmax trials emergency vehicle ‘green wave’
    December 6, 2013
    Existing equipment used in Australian emergency vehicle ‘green wave’ trial. Despite the lights and sirens, accidents between the motoring public and emergency vehicles on their way to/from the scene of an incident are relatively frequent. Figures from various sources indicate that road accidents are the second most frequent cause of death for on-duty fire fighter fatalities and that more than 90% of ambulance and fire engine accidents occur when the lights are on and the sirens wailing. Other studies indica
    Read More

Highlighted Content