Over the past three years, Lockheed Martin has been performing maintenance on a variety of ITS field equipment to include several Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), DMS structures, and controllers. This experience has provided a better understanding of the considerations that should be taken into account during the design phase. As a case study, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has six different DMS types, with a variety of structures, access points, and controller cabinets. These differences provide an increased maintenance cost due to the amount of spares needed, and the training required for maintaining a variety of DMS and controller types. This paper addresses some of the more common design issues which impact maintenance, suggested fixes and details potential issues needed to be resolved during the selection of DMS and minimize expenses associated with their maintenance.
Abstract