FDOT Road Status Signs

NavyGuyAN · April 13, 2011, 04:27:12 AM

Does any one know what is up with these FDOT status signs popping up around the US-17 and I-295 interchange and about the Blanding and I-295 interchanges?...A few of them have been up for several months and say nothing but "FDOT test message" kind of a waste of taxpayers money if there not going to say anything relavant.

tufsu1 · April 13, 2011, 07:49:25 AM

they are part of an ITS system...the signs need to be installed first and then the whole system will be turned on.

btw, this project was a prioirty of the North Florida TPO, with partial funding from FDOT

Jason · April 13, 2011, 09:03:15 AM

The signs are somewhat nice when they give you ample warning before hitting congestion but 9 times out of ten there is no suitable alternate route to take anyways. Kinda defeats the purpose.

fsujax · April 13, 2011, 09:06:12 AM

very true Jason! i do like the estimated travel time, though!

wsansewjs · April 13, 2011, 09:12:59 AM

They are also used for AMBER alerts. In case of alien invasions, they could be used as a message relay too! Let's hope we don't get an alien invasion...

-Josh

Lunican · April 13, 2011, 10:27:49 AM

I have not once gleaned any useful information from these "ITS" signs.

It is especially misleading to travelers when the signs on I-95 North state that the "Hart Bridge is closed - Use alternate route" like they are about to be detoured in some mysterious way that never actually happens.

tufsu1 · April 13, 2011, 10:47:26 AM

I have no problem with the signs...I find them quite helpful on my way home from work

For example, if there I-95 is backed up to JTB, I quickly divert to Philips...if the backup starts at Emerson, I get off there and either use Philips or go over the Hart Bridge.

This will get even better when the new signal system is deployed on US 1...the plan there is when I-95 is backed up, they can adjust the signal timing to give more green time to the north/south movement on US 1....this will all be controlled from the new Traffic Management Center (part of the JRTC).

btw...the Hart bridge closed signs were helpful as some use that route to get to the stadium..by reminding that it is closed, folks use the Main St Bridge

RMHoward · April 13, 2011, 12:37:34 PM

I have often questioned in my mind the benefit/cost analysis of these signs. Im sure they cost a fortune. Also, its just a matter of time before a lawsuit by our DOJ (AJ Eric Holder) against the State of Florida insists that messages be broadcast in Spanish/German/French, etc so that no one is left out, and therefore discriminated against. We can't hurt anyone's feelings, you know. Sorry, just felt like ranting against the enemy our own Govt. is becoming.

Lunican · April 13, 2011, 03:09:55 PM

Yeah the signs should only be in American!

fsujax · April 13, 2011, 03:18:58 PM

they also are good at displaying urgent weather information. Hazardous travel conditions, etc. they are expensive, that is for sure running about $500,000 a sign.

Doctor_K · April 13, 2011, 03:56:40 PM

Quote from: Lunican on April 13, 2011, 03:09:55 PM
Yeah the signs should only be in American!

Be careful what you wish for - they could end up displaying in text or l33t speak.

Dog Walker · April 13, 2011, 06:12:22 PM

Binary!

stjr · April 30, 2011, 04:00:14 PM

FDOT could display commuters' Twitter messages on them about traffic conditions or whatever. That might be a more honest assessment of what's really happening. At least it would be entertaining. If we end up allowing digital and changeable billboards, why stop there? Let FDOT get in on the fun with their signs. Of course, then you have that whole texting while driving issue!

Timkin · April 30, 2011, 04:39:50 PM

" Attention ..... you are sitting in a traffic jam. Film at 11 "

videojon · May 01, 2011, 12:00:23 AM

or "Jane, Will you Marry me?"