6.0 Motorist Information Strategy
Critical to the success of this TMP is the Motorist Information System that will be implemented during construction. The main component of this system is the Changeable Message Sign (CMS), Highway Advisory Radios (HAR), and 511 Traveler Information System that will provide real time traffic information to motorists approaching the construction zone. This information will guide and assist the motorists in making alternate route selections to avoid the impacted area. A signing scheme is designed to guide motorists through the various alternate routes. The various motorist information system elements are discussed below:
6.1 Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS)
Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) are truck or trailer mounted and may be controlled locally or remotely. These signs will be utilized to provide motorists real time information about expected closures and possible detours, especially prior to the freeway connectors and before the "Boat Section". PCMS will be part of the TMP for traffic control purposes. Several detours are incorporated as part of this TMP plan requiring more than 30 PCMS. Additional PCMS may be placed and operated as deemed necessary by the RE.
6.2 Fixed Changeable Message Signs (CMS)
Caltrans fixed changeable message signs will also be utilized. The primary use of these signs is to advise motorists of upcoming work zones, anticipated delays, and possible detours long before they approach the impacted area. Also displayed on the CMS's would be estimated travel time to reach a certain destination, or anticipated delay. With such information accessible to them far in advance, long distance travelers will be able to make informed decisions. The Transportation Management Center (TMC) had identified five CMS dedicated for use during construction of this project. The five dedicated CMS are listed below by their location:
- On US 50 at 48th Street
- On Highway 99 at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- On Interstate 80 at Madison Avenue
- On Interstate 80 east of Truxel Road
- On Interstate 5 at 35th Avenue
Travel time will be displayed on these CMS's by March of 2008. One week prior to beginning of construction, a blitz will be used to announce the upcoming "Boat Section" construction with CMS and HAR.
The RE, in consultation with the CAT, is responsible for monitoring message content on the CMS's and portable CMS deployment.
6.3 Ground Mounted Signs
Roadway guide signs will augment changeable message signs by guiding motorists through various alternate routes. An adequate signing scheme is developed by the Design Engineer for this project to guide motorists through the various alternate routes during the current stages of construction. The Contractor and the RE are responsible to make sure that adequate signing shall be installed to guide motorists.
6.4 Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN)
Real-time highway conditions are available to the motorist through Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) by dialing 1-800-427-ROAD. The caller will have the option to obtain information on any particular route by selecting the route number.
6.5 Highway Advisory Radio (HAR)
Highway advisory radio is recommended in conjunction with the PCMS for Route 5 at the "Boat Section". HAR allows motorists to receive highway broadcasts with nothing more than an AM radio. At locations where HAR is not available or where the signals are weak, portable HAR will be in place as a supplement. The HAR at the Highway 12/I-5 Junction will target northbound I-5 travelers south of the "Boat Section". In addition, a portable HAR will be set up at either Elk Grove or the Pocket area in the northbound direction. North of the "Boat Section", a portable HAR will be in place at the SR-113/I-5 Junction to hit southbound I-5 travelers.
The HAR broadcast message should be succinct yet comprehensive in content. Since HAR broadcast have a range of 2-5 miles, the message should typically be contained within 60 to 90 second duration but no more than 90 seconds in length.
6.6 511 Traveler Information Systems
This element of the TMP provides motorists with system-wide and work zone-related information, both static and real time using wireless technologies such as cell phones and in-vehicle systems. This effort will be coordinated with the Sacramento Area Council of Government (SACOG).
6.7 www.FixI-5.com Website
A new website will be dedicated to provide travelers and truckers with the latest information on an upcoming project to reconstruct Interstate 5 through Downtown Sacramento. The website will feature traffic cameras, detour routes, and the latest project news. To advertise the new website, a 6' x 16' banner will be affixed to both sides of the Capitol Mall Drive Overcrossing of Interstate 5.
6.8 Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for Traffic Monitoring
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) will be used in the proximity of the work zone to identify areas where traffic flow is impeded so that traveler information can be provided. A work zone ITS deployment uses sensors to detect traffic conditions by registering a vehicle and tracking its course. The information collected will be processed and converted into travel time to be disseminated to the traveling public continuously via CMS.
6.9 Freight Travel Information
Due to the high percentage of freight movement on Interstate 5 through the "Boat Section", coordination with the freight community (e.g., trucking companies, truck drivers, etc.) is needed to identify work zone information. The work zone information may include, but is not limited to truck restrictions, detours, occurrence of incidents, planned closures, etc.). Such information can be disseminated to central locations via a fax, or email distribution to trucking companies.
Further elements of the Motorist Information System could be referenced in the outreach plan prepared by ProProse, the public outreach consultant providing public information and outreach services for this project.
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