Colorado congestion cure from Daktronics

Daktronics is here at ITS America 2016 San Jose to highlight an impressive array of dynamic message signs (DMS) and an equally impressive recent deployment. Ski traffic congestion in Colorado had become extremely challenging for Colorado DoT with traffic rushing out to the slopes on Fridays and hurrying home on Sundays. Rather than the time and cost of building a whole new road to keep travellers moving, CDoT brought an economical solution to life: the I-70 Mountain Express Lane.
June 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Jason Morrison of Daktronics

32 Daktronics is here at ITS America 2016 San Jose to highlight an impressive array of dynamic message signs (DMS) and an equally impressive recent deployment. Ski traffic congestion in Colorado had become extremely challenging for Colorado DoT with traffic rushing out to the slopes on Fridays and hurrying home on Sundays. Rather than the time and cost of building a whole new road to keep travellers moving, CDoT brought an economical solution to life: the I-70 Mountain Express Lane.

In a March 28, 2016 press release, Shailen Bhatt, CDoT Executive Director stated, “We know from experience that we can’t build our way out of congestion.”

A 13-mile stretch between Empire and Idaho Springs employs a shoulder lane for emergencies in the offseason that doubles as an Express lane during the peak travel season. Twenty-three Daktronics Vanguard displays alert drivers to lane status, toll rates, speed limits and safety information such as rock slides and accidents. Dynamic pricing determines the toll that drivers pay to use the lane, which can cut their drive time by 30 minutes.

The results have been extremely impressive: On April 3, 2016, travel speeds were 55 mph in the Express Lane and 40 mph in the general purpose lanes. Traffic in previous years crawled at 5-10 mph. Winter season throughput increased by 15% while peak day throughput increased by 5,800 vehicles. General purpose lane travel times improved by 18% during peak periods and corridor incidents were down by 15%. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, travel times for all lanes were reduced by up to 52% compared to 2012.

Matt Dunscomb, senior project manager for the roadway’s electrical contractor, explained that “Reliability was 100% the biggest factor in choosing a subcontractor. Daktronics is always a frontrunner with quality products. If something doesn’t work, they’re very responsive to do the right thing and get it fixed.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Ouster is where the magic happens
    March 31, 2022
    Lidar technology is growing in importance in traffic management. It offers reliable and precise object detection in any light or weather, with an accurate 3D image of the environment (unlike cameras), in high resolution (unlike radar), all while maintaining personal privacy.
    Read More
  • Inrix identifies the worst traffic hotspots in the 25 most congested US cities
    September 28, 2017
    Inrix has published its latest research on the worst traffic hotspots in America. Using Inrix Roadway Analytics, a cloud-based traffic analysis tool, Inrix analysed and ranked more than 100,000 traffic hotspots in the 25 most congested US cities. The economic cost of hotspots was also calculated in terms of wasted time, lost fuel and carbon emissions over the next decade. The research identified and ranked 108,000 traffic hotspots in the 25 most congested cities in the US identified by the INRIX Global T
    Read More
  • Caltrans to focus on traffic management in 2014
    February 21, 2014
    Although San Diego County may see a downturn new freeway infrastructure projects during 2014, many projects, from rail to highways and cycle paths, are still in the pipeline for 2014, according to the region's transportation planning agencies. Laurie Berman, district director for the regional office of the California Department of Transportation, said last week that Caltrans' focus is transitioning from general purpose lane expansions to more traffic management. The new direction is meant to provide trav
    Read More
  • US States use technology and smart solutions to battle winter weather
    December 18, 2013
    US state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are gearing up to meet the challenge of maintaining a high level of service during the winter without the benefit of additional financial resources. High-tech solutions like GPS guidance systems and low-tech products like potato juice are helping states to cut costs, improve efficiency, and minimise environmental impacts. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities uses a variety of advanced technologies to combat extreme winter weather and
    Read More

Highlighted Content