An Investigation of Operational Procedures for Highway Advisory Radio Systems: Final Report

Smith, Brian L., 1967-; McGhee, Catherine C.; Newman, Bruce R.; Jones, Steven L. Jr.; O?Leary, Amy A. · 1995 · ROSA P / Virginia Transportation Research Council

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Summary

This study, conducted by the Virginia Transportation Research Council for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), investigates operational procedures for Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) systems. HAR systems use low-power AM radio to provide real-time traffic information, a key component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The research was motivated by the need to enhance VDOT’s preliminary HAR guidelines, which lacked specific recommendations for non-incident broadcasts, message development, and equipment usage. The goal was to improve the reliability and utility of HAR to help motorists make better travel decisions. The researchers employed a multi-method approach comprising a literature review, interviews with HAR operators in Virginia and other states, site visits, and three targeted motorist surveys. The surveys were conducted at distinct locations to capture different user groups: a special event in Blacksburg, a rural interstate rest area on I-81, and an urban commuter location on I-66. The study focused on five areas: operations and personnel, transmitter technology, advisory signing, message development, and equipment maintenance. Key findings indicate that effective HAR operation is highly personnel-intensive, requiring rapid consolidation of data from multiple sources. Interviews revealed that many systems suffer from outdated information due to staff shortages or competing priorities. Motorist surveys showed that HAR currently has limited value to the public; most respondents relied on commercial radio or CB radios for traffic updates. A primary barrier to HAR adoption was that motorists often did not tune in because they could not determine the relevance of the broadcast. Surveys demonstrated that Changeable Message Signs (CMS) significantly increased listenership compared to static signs, as they provided specific reasons to tune in (e.g., "Bridge Work Ahead"). Regarding technology, conventional vertical monopole antennas were found to be more cost-effective and durable than radiating cable systems, which were prone to damage and high repair costs. Additionally, the study found that motorists could successfully process messages containing up to eight informational units if repetition was used, but messages exceeding this complexity were ineffective. The significance of this research lies in its development of comprehensive HAR Operational Guidelines and policy recommendations for VDOT. The study concludes that to increase HAR utility, agencies must dedicate specific staff to operations, use CMS to direct specific audiences to broadcasts, and employ vertical antennas for cost efficiency. By addressing these operational and technical challenges, the study aims to improve VDOT’s credibility as a provider of real-time information and support the broader implementation of ITS traveler information systems.

Key finding

Motorists depend primarily on commercial radio traffic reports rather than HAR broadcasts because current HAR information is of limited value and operators lack sufficient personnel for frequent updates.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 240

Provenance

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• signage environment