Dynamic Message Signs Improve Operations on America’s Dream Highway
Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, supplied several full-matrix Galaxy Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) to the Pennsylvania Turnpike for use at four toll plazas.
DMS have been installed at the Norristown, Lebanon-Lancaster, Harrisburg East, and Gettysburg Pike interchanges to better identify exit and entry toll operations. Installation is ongoing based on construction staging and need.
“The signs are clearer and more readable and improve our ability to more effectively communicate the lane operation to our customer. They also provide flexibility to change lane operations based on traffic demand,” said Neil T Raup, Interchange/Toll Plaza Design Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s toll lanes can be operated in several modes including ticket or cash only; ticket or cash and E-ZPass; and E-ZPass only.
“The new signs help customers get into the correct lane,” said Raup. “This helps move traffic through the interchange more safely and efficiently.”
The signs utilize state-of-the-art, full-color light emitting diode (LED) technology to create clear, readable messages, which make it easier for travelers on the turnpike to see the messages at a greater distance from the toll plazas.
Seven messages were created for the signs and can be changed easily by the toll booth operator via a simple control interface powered by Daktronics.
“We chose Daktronics Galaxy DMS because they are full matrix and use LED technology and provide message flexibility with full-color graphics and text,” said Raup.
ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE
The Pennsylvania Turnpike, nicknamed America’s Dream
Highway, opened in October 1940. The original 160 miles of Turnpike served approximately 1.2 million vehicles in its first year of operation. Today, the Pennsylvania Turnpike system is 537 miles long with annual traffic approaching 186 million vehicles.
