Caltrans set to deploy state-of-the-art electronic message signs

Caltrans is unveiling more than two dozen state-of-the-art full-color overhead highway message boards along the US50 corridor in El Dorado and Sacramento counties, I5 in Sacramento County and State Highways 70 and 99 in Butte County.

Caltrans District 3 engineers this month are conducting final tests on the 28 new color-changeable message signs. These signs are a first in the state at a cost of about $2.5 million. Other regions have installed these signs as a pilot project.

Before going live in mid-September, local motorists are spotting a message reading “CMS Test in Prog(ress); Ends 09/01/2023” on these new boards.

Engineers are testing the performance of these signs to ensure their long-term reliability before turning on the switch.‌

“The new changeable message signs will allow Caltrans to display reliable real-time travel and traffic safety information using high-resolution color text and images during both day- and night-time driving conditions,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal.

In addition, the sign technology enables Caltrans to display pictorial messages in color, which will better communicate roadway conditions to non-English speaking motorists. “Caltrans is firmly committed to ensuring equity for all drivers in California,” Benipal said.

The new boards will supplement 79 existing changeable message signs along state routes in eight counties (Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Butte, Yolo, Colusa and Sutter). However, these existing boards are limited to amber text-only messages.

“The older boards frequently experience problems with pixels going out, resulting in garbled and confusing messages to travelers. Troubleshooting these signs can be time-consuming and lead to longer downtimes and higher maintenance costs,” Benipal said.

Highway changeable message signs date back to the mid-1950s in the United States. New Jersey transportation officials, for example, deployed these signs in 1957 to control traffic flow through the Lincoln Tunnel between New York City and New Jersey.

Studies indicate changeable message signs can be a cost-effective measure to improve traffic flow and slow down drivers who are traveling over the speed limit in poor weather.

Caltrans District 3 maintains more than 4,385 lanes miles of state highway in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.