Innovative ‘Green’ Traffic Signs Help Reduce Costs, CO2 Emissions and Keep Texas Traffic Flowing

Ingenuity, wireless communications and solar-powered lightweight design are the keys success.

(I-Newswire) April 6, 2010 - Colorado Springs, CO — Skyline Products Traffic Division announces a new solar-powered, wireless Automated Rotary Drum Sign System delivering one of the greenest, least expensive, most flexible means of managing traffic flow.

This exclusive technology was designed as part of a breakthrough program by the Texas Department of Transportation and Walter P Moore to create more efficient travel through the El Paso, Texas metropolitan area during traffic incidents and closures on the interstate. Combining the ingenuity of Walter P Moore with the expertise and ability to execute of Skyline’s engineering team, these signs require no fiber optic cable, hard-wired communications or power, making it possible to install them just about anywhere.

Skyline Products was the only sign manufacturer that could meet the demanding requirements set out by Walter P Moore. The requirements included mass manufacturing of eco-friendly, solar powered, and minimal power consumption devices, full NTCIP-compliance, lightweight aluminum construction, and custom configurations – all at a reasonable cost.

The Automated Rotary Drum Sign System is the only automated diversion sign of its kind. “Most of the time, they display standard guide sign information. When an incident occurs, information is sent wirelessly and the signs are activated. The drums rotate and provide appropriate detour information,” states Mark Conway, Director of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for Walter P Moore, the lead consulting firm for the project.

“Eliminating the need to run power to each site, including trenching, conduit, power, labor and continued maintenance can plausibly save departments of transportation and taxpayers everywhere millions of dollars,” says Adam Lyons, Regional Sales Manager at Skyline Products. “At the same time we are increasing the options for traffic diversion and delivering all the benefits of improved traffic flow, such as reduced driver frustration and reduced CO2 emissions.”

Skyline produced 94 sign units with various message configurations. The signs are currently being installed by long-time Skyline partner, Tri-State Electric, along Interstate Highway 10, U.S. 54 and Loop 375 in El Paso, Texas.