SIGNS OF CHANGE IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS

Changeable message signs have been provided at several locations, which are connected to presence detectors to advise drivers when queues build up at sites with restricted sight distances. These displays revert to a different message when queues are not present. In August 2001 in association with a suite of road improvements for wet weather conditions, a changeable sign was installed at a sub-standard curve location where wet weather conditions significantly increases the hazard to motorists. In wet weather and when the pavement is wet, the advisory warning provided to motorists changes to reflect the increased risk at the site. This paper examines how the available technology has been adapted to the wet weather problem. It examines the effect the sign has had on changing driving speeds based on the changed advice for different conditions as motorists travel through the curve and the associated before and after accident pattern at the site. The total effect of the wet weather treatments is also examined. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210298.