Synthesis of Variable Speed Limit Signs
This online engineering PDH course provides a comprehensive review of current practice on Variable Speed Limit (VSL) operations, particularly experiences from deployments in the United States, and identifies successful and best practices from the following perspectives: planning and policy, design, deployment, standards, operations and maintenance, and outcomes.
Variable speed limit (VSL) systems utilize information on traffic speed, occupancy, volume detection, weather, and road surface conditions to determine the appropriate speeds at which drivers should be traveling, given current roadway and traffic conditions. The use of VSL during less than ideal conditions, such as heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, can improve safety by decreasing the risks associated with traveling at speeds that are higher than appropriate for the conditions and by reducing speed variance among vehicles.
In addition, VSL can be used to dynamically manage speeds during planned (rush hour congestion) and unplanned (incidents) events. Used in conjunction with managed lanes and other active traffic management (ATM) strategies, VSL can respond to downstream congestion to eliminate or delay bottlenecks and mitigate the possibility of crashes.
This 5 PDH online course is mainly intended for transportation engineers who are interested in learning about current practices on VSL operations, particularly experiences from deployments in the United States.
This PE continuing education course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Learning about variable speed limit systems used for congestion-based active traffic management, work zones, and weather
- Learning about the deactivated variable speed limit systems in the United States
- Understanding the methodology used by research teams in order to gather information on existing, deactivated and planned VSL systems
- Understanding the key considerations of the implementation of VSL systems including the VSL planning processes, design, deployment, standards and operations, and maintenance
- Exploring the benefits and challenges of variable speed limit systems
- Familiarizing with different agencies through interview summaries on the implementation of VSL systems
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.