The Montgomery County Transportation Management Center (TMC) manages traffic operations on surface streets and arterial roadways. The TMC uses six portable variable message signs (VMS) for special event, detour, incident, and road work information.

Electronic signing enhances the transportation system by providing real-time control and information functions. Electronic signing provides the capability to modify lane use and speed limits to "tune" the transportation system to changes in demand and weather conditions. Real-time information on road, parking, and transit conditions is provided to transportation system users.

The ATMS is planning to use smaller permanent VMS's along surface streets to provide parking information and route guidance. ATMS will also implement a route guidance program with electronic trailblazing signs for construction detours and incident rerouting guidance.

The Maryland State Highway Administration manages freeway operations and uses several fixed VMS's along the interstate highways.

BENEFITS:

• Travelers can be warned of scheduled closures for road work, maintenance activities and encouraged to take alternative routes
• Alerts drivers to unpredicted and unscheduled incidents to provide immediate and accurate traffic information about conditions ahead