Interstate-39 dynamic message sign project summary

010263382005PDFTech ReportFHWA-JPO-05-047Variable message signsIntelligent transportation systemsIncident managementTravel managementEvaluation/program assessmentIllinoisUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationIllinois. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation SystemsNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Roadway Operations and MaintenanceNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Freeway ManagementNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Traveler InformationNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-Traffic Control DevicesIntelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office;Federal Highway AdministrationThe Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) sought to deploy a message sign system consisting of permanently-mounted dynamic message signs around the Rockford metropolitan area. The project goal was to begin building a system of remotely-activated message signs for incident management along the US 20 / I-39 corridor. The funding which was secured for this initiative included $260,000 Federal FY01 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) funding with an equal State match. In addition, $500,000 was available from a State of Illinois Special Information Technology fund. This first project included the procurement and installation of 4 walk-in message signs, structural supports, and software required for their operation. IDOT began their project in September, 2001, with the selection of a consultant to assist in planning and executing this ITS initiative. The consultant was responsible for preparing contract plans and special provisions to get the contract ready for soliciting bids. On March 6, 2003, IDOT executed a construction contract through competitive bidding to procure, install, and start-up four message signs. The total bid cost was $936,230. After construction, testing, and manufacturer\u2019s training, the system was commissioned in October, 2004. The total program, beginning with selecting the consultant and ending with system final acceptance, took 37 months