Shenandoah National Park Traveler Information Coordination Study.

PDFTech Reporthttp://ntl.bts.gov/lib/42000/42800/42885/Shenandoah_TIS_Final_Report_09-11_final.pdfDOT-VNTSC-NPS-11-22PMIS No. 145352F4505087777 Amendment 1National parksAdvanced traveler information systemsReal time informationWeatherTraffic congestionTouristsVariable message signsCommunication systemsVirginiaUnited States. National Park Service. Northeast RegionMiller, KennethSylvester, KathleenJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)NTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Management SystemsNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Access ManagementVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterShenandoah National Park is located in northwestern Virginia, about 60 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The Front Royal Entrance Station is located about 8 miles southeast of the I-81 / I-66 interchange, where approximately 1/3 of visitors enter the park. This report focuses on identifying transportation information solutions to alert visitors approaching Shenandoah from the vicinity of Front Royal about potential park closures due to weather and congestions issues. With the current traveler information systems, most visitors don\ue2\u20ac\u2122t find out about closures until they arrive at the park and it is difficult to alert visitors to alternative routes when congestion occurs, leading to frustrated and disappointed visitors. Integration with 511, variable message signs on major roadways, improvements to the existing phone and web systems and better internal procedures to more smoothly and consistently activate these alert systems are recommended next steps