April 2002
BID LIST
Signs and Signal Products
by Rikki Lee Travolta, Contributing Editor

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To receive more information on the products listed below:

1.  Click on RoadFax link - keep window opened until all items are entered.
                                                     and/or
2.  Click on Company Link (when available) for information from their website.
3.  Check our Manufacturer's Links and/or Buyers Guide for additional links.

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Manufacturers listed in this feature responded to a special mailing by Better Roads and do not necessarily represent the entire market for this product. 

Reflecting clear and safe directions

By definition, traffic signs are devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, pathway, or other route to guide, warn, and regulate the flow of traffic including motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, equestrians, and other travelers.

The official specifications guide for signage in the United States is the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Administration. As a national standard, MUTCD is intended to ensure consistent signing and other traffic-control devices throughout the country, designating shape, color, message, and placement specifications. Traffic control devices include signs, signals, and pavement markings.

To find the latest information on new and time-tested signs and related signal products for the highway and bridge markets, you could contact manufacturers and distributors individually. However, Better Roads has done the legwork for you.

For this month’s product focus, we conducted an independent mailing and phone solicitation asking suppliers to tell us about the sign, sign component, and related traffic directing devices available. As a true resource to highway professions in both government agencies and private construction, our proactive product update includes information from all of the manufacturers who responded.

AW Direct
Universally fitting roll-up sign

Roll-Up signs from AW Direct feature a special plastic corner pocket at the bottom of the vertical cross-brace allowing the signs to fit into the one-click latch bracket assembly of any sign stand. Plastic corner pockets are made of high-performance polycarbonate. A faceplate on the front side of the sign eliminates tearing from the cross-braces. Sign surfaces comply with Federal MUTCD requirements. The velcro storage closure is printed with the sign legend for easy identification.

Allmand Bros. Inc.
Truck-mounted message board

Offered by Allmand Bros. Inc., the MB6200 truck-mounted message board uses a 10- by 14-inch sealed module brick design containing 96 pixels with four LEDs each. The board can be raised and lowered manually, by winch, or by actuator. New messages can be created by a hand-held terminal or laptop computer. Mounting options include Z-Mount Series for over-the-cab alignment on pickup trucks; Skid-Mount Series that slides into pickup beds, dump trucks, and flatbeds; and Truck Tailgate-Mount Series that hang for rear dump truck display.

RC Flagman
Mechanical Flagger

The solar-powered Remote Control Flagman can operate automatically or by remote control to manage traffic in construction zones. The trailer-mounted unit is said to set up in five minutes. Its 12-inch red light is mounted 12-feet high and works with a parking-lot-style gate-arm to stop traffic; an 8-inch flashing amber light indicates that motorists should proceed with caution. The product can replace the human flagman or allow that person to operate from a safe area. RC Flagman.

ADDCO
Dynamic Arrow Board

ADDCO has combined the convenience of an arrow board with the flexibility of a message sign with the Arrow Dynamic Sign. This product uses the fully modular Brick sign system. It can accommodate a variety of Brick sign configurations mounted either horizontally or vertically on a standard arrow board back plane.

Das Manufacturing Inc.
Confined space marker

Permit-required confined spaces can be marked through the permanent installation of Das Manufacturing Inc.’s Confined Space Marker. The device is abrasion resistant, fade resistant, and can be affixed to surfaces including concrete, asphalt, and cast iron. Custom sizes, shapes, and colors are available, as are 40 stock titles.

Lite International
Traffic signal lamps

Standard Omega traffic signal lamps from Lite International offer 8,000 to 10,000 user hours; double-life Omega lamps feature a two-year rated life of 16,000 user hours. Both lamp designs are Kypton filled, have uniform cooling, and feature a proprietary gettering system to maintain high purity throughout lamp life. An aluminum reflector disc eliminates the loss of light from dead spots and protects the socket from extreme heat; a brass base prevents corrosion under diverse weather conditions.

U.S. Traffic Corporation
Pedestrian countdown sign

Designed to increase pedestrian safety in response to escalating traffic conditions, U.S. Traffic Corporation’s Model LEDP-HMC-001 LED countdown pedestrian signal is compatible with most existing pedestrian signal housings. The unit combines high-visibility hand/man symbols with an easy-to-read countdown display for accurate communication of pedestrian clearance cycles. Symbols conform to all applicable ITE and Caltrans electrical requirements.

MasterMind Systems Inc.
Sign management software

MasterMind Systems Inc. offers SignMaster for Windows sign-management software. The software allows implementation of a comprehensive management plan and development of a prioritized maintenance plan, with a built-in work order maintenance system and capability to generate a variety of reports. Software is metric ready, features a work item Wizard for routine task help, and has a built-in inspection system.

GTM
Extendible barricade

Transported in a unique bright-orange guitar case, Safe T Gate is a 7-foot long extendible barricade. It is made of high-density polyethylene and achieves visibility from 52 separate reflective strips. Each of the two bottom legs accepts up to 20 pounds of sand or water for stability.

Quixote Transportation Safety
Traffic text messaging

Designed to combat work-zone dangers, Quixote Transportation Safety has designed the new IntelliZone System. Modular in design, portable traffic sensors work with a CPU-powered mobile control unit to track traffic volume and communicate speed adjustment directions to drivers up to 5 miles away through text messaging signs. Additional performance modules available incorporate highway advisory radio, video capability, alternate route information, incident detection, and weather monitoring.

SignCAD Systems Inc.
Sign inspection software

PW Inspection, a software management tool from SignCAD Systems Inc. is targeted at automating the management of public works project inspection activities including project contracts, permits issued, and deposits. The software tracks linked-in photos and maps, and also generates inspection diaries and accesses reference materials, forms, and checklists. Inspectors can download project segments to laptop computers for use in the field.

International Road Dynamics Inc.
Traffic-flow response safety lights

Offered by International Road Dynamics Inc.., the Dynamic Work-Zone Safety System utilizes a series of flashing directional lights that are sensor activated to automatically illuminate when traffic in highway construction conditions reaches peak volumes. Signs increase the length of no-passing zones before construction sites, in relation to congestion growth, to reduce accidents and improve safety through smooth merging.

Davidson Traffic Control
Lane separation system

Conceived as an economical median barrier and lane separation system, the FG300 Curb System from Davidson Traffic Control is manufactured from flexible polyurethane plastic in a cloverleaf post design to withstand typical roadway abuse. Available in solid yellow or white, the system is supplied in lightweight sections that can be mounted via bolting to the pavement; the curb is bolted to the roadway to enable the separator system to resist displacement. The system is designed to be mountable by emergency vehicles.

Traffic Technology Inc.
Portable traffic signals

Work Zone portable traffic control signals from Traffic Technology Inc. feature a patented single lens LED design that displays three colors and internationally-recognized signals through a single lens and housing. The product consists of a primary radio-controlled or time-cycled unit and a secondary unit that is directed by the primary from up to 1 mile away.

Traffic Technology Inc.
Access control signal

Offered by Traffic Technology Inc., the AC-12 is a battery-powered, remote-controlled, portable, 12-inch traffic signal. Mounted on a wheeled cart, the signal stands 8 feet above road level; an optional radio antenna mount extends to 21 feet. Powered by 12-volt DC batteries contained in a lockable enclosure, the unit displays Go, Caution, and Stop symbol phases in a single LED lens.

Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Solar-powered sign lights

Unveiled at the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s Convention and Traffic Expo, a new line of solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) signage-lighting products is available from Carmanah Technologies Corporation. The self-contained products include school crossing flashers, bi-directional hazard marker posts, directional lights, and sign enhancers. The 200 Series directional light is designed for temporary or permanent installation on roadway signs or to mark small highway hazards, and can be used on plastic drums or barricades in construction zones.

Wanco Inc.
Message directors

Computer-controlled message directors from Wanco Inc. are designed to be programmable for non-computer-literate users. Four high-output LEDs form each pixel, with brightness increased by an optical lens and glare reduced via individual sunshades.. An optional cellular phone modem allows remote system operation and control. Message boards are trailer mounted, equipped with quick-connection plugs, engineered for use with solar-powered charging systems, and hydraulically elevated to a height of 7 feet from the ground.

U.S. Traffic Corporation
Portable message trailer

Solar-powered, with a portable and changeable message sign equipped with arrow-board mode, the Sunray Street Machine from U.S. Traffic Corporation has a full matrix of 48 by 96 inches and is designed for use in both urban and major roadway applications. The LED display features over 200 preprogrammed messages and international symbols. The design is environmentally friendly with an electro-hydraulic mechanism for raising and lowering, and an electrical actuator controlled solar panel tilt.

Allen Datagraph Systems Inc.
Reflective material cutter

For use in the processing of heavy reflective materials for the traffic and highway signage industries, Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. offers its revamped line of roll-fed Hot Tip cutters. Design transfers increased levels of heat to the unit’s cutting tip, allowing an overall lower heat setting than previously required. The mechanism’s replaceable tip has been lengthened for improved heat transfer.

Flannegan Western
Aerial work platform

An aerial work platform from Flannegan Western is designed to work in unison with a post-hole auger and boom assembly on road-sign maintenance and installation trucks. The unit features under-bed dividers to organize varying post lengths and sizes, provide modular sign storage, and consolidate small bolts and tools.

Korman Signs
Sign composite material

Developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Chemical America and available from Korman Signs, Alpolic 350 is an aluminum composite material designed for highway and construction signs. Composite is NCHRP 350 approved and performs like an aluminum sign in structure and rigidity, but is described as being as convenient to use as a roll-up sign. The compound is manufactured by laminating two skins of aluminum to a polyethylene core and is suited for sign support and barricade applications.

S&S Signs and Safety Equipment
Sign stand

Featuring an all aluminum and steel construction, UF2000 Model Uniflex sign stand from S&S Signs and Safety Equipment display 36- and 48-inch reflective signs using a proprietary attachment mechanism. The unit has undergone NCHRP-350 crash testing. Telescoping aluminum legs have a two-position height adjustment and anti-skid footpads and lock into place when fully extended.

TRW
Accident-recording system

To aid in the analysis of traffic accidents at intersections and prevent further occurrences, TRW offers its Automated Incident Recording System. This system is described as easy-to-use, to view before and after aspects of crashes that occur at intersections using an automating recording system. It is able to restore records for over a month on a single 120-minute videotape. Recordings include crash sounds and are stamped with date, time, venue, and traffic signal data.

Skyline Products Inc.
Dynamic message sign

ITS-grade full-matrix, 18-character dynamic message signs with walk-in service access are available from Skyline Products Inc. for urban highway, HOV lane, and toll-way applications. Features include optional top-mounted flashing beacons; interior walkways with lift-tread access to functional systems; and a stainless-steel, ground-mounted, local control and communications cabinet.

Eastern Metal USA-Sign
Portable sign stand

Eastern Metal USA-Sign offers a full range of portable sign stands including roll-up oriented compact units, mid-size designs, and Interstate sign series. A proprietary universal sign attachment is designed to allow quick setup. A separate design feature consolidates lowering of two legs to a single step.

PDP Associates Inc.
Traffic Information & Prediction System (TIPS)

Traffic Information & Prediction System (TIPS) is a portable, real-time, smart work zone system from PDP Associates Inc. for predicting and displaying travel times for motorists in advance of and through freeway work zones. Real-time traffic flow data is collected via non-contact sensors, processed via personal computer, and the calculated travel times between different points are displayed on portable changeable message signs positioned at predetermined locations.

Plasticade Products
Stackable vertical panel

Equipped with a detachable rubber base, Verticalcade is fully stackable assembled or separated. Available in orange or white, units include a recessed compartment for reflective sheeting. The oversized handle can support a flashing light mounting, equipped with a standard size bolt and cup washer. Designed for controlling traffic in highway, city street, parking facility, and industrial applications.

National Sign and Signal
Blank-out signs

Available in single- and double-face models, blank-out signs from National Sign and Signal are designed to accommodate standard traffic control applications. The layered message panel feature accommodates up to seven messages per panel and utilizes all standard ITE colors. Dual 420-watt lamps provide fail-safe burnout protection with low power consumption with complete blank out when not energized.

Vulcan Traffic Management
Asset management system

Vulcan Traffic Management Services’ VIMMS 2000 modular asset management system has been redesigned to include a visual display of affected traffic control devices on a map. Designed for use by transportation agencies and available with six optional plug-in modules for various traffic-sign, roadway, and street-lighting applications, the system features a custom report generator with standard and custom design modes.

Avery Dennison
Sign design software

Offered by Avery Dennison, ERGO 2001 is a Windows-based program that computes and virtually compares sign luminance and different sheeting materials to real-world scenarios. The program allows identification of best locations for new signs, best angles for existing signs, and how brightness changes with different variables. Users can compose graphs to chart how bright a sign would be to drivers.

Circle 35 on reader card.

Radiator Specialty Company
Crash-safe sign stand

Specifically designed for stability and versatility in crash-safe sign display, the JS60 stand is offered by Highway Safety Products, a division of Radiator Specialty Company. The stand displays 0.080-inch-thick aluminum sign panels in sizes up to 48 by 48 inches. A telescoping mast provides sign height of 5 feet off the ground. The non-spring, standard ballasting design is made with corrosion-resistant aluminum, folding, rubber-tipped legs.

Sign Socks Inc.
Sign cover

Signsocks, from Sign Socks Inc., are sign covers constructed of UV-treated polypropylene fabric that can be installed from ground level with the Signsock pole. The covers can be sewn to fit any size sign. They are resistant to tearing and sagging, but lightweight and easily minimized for compact storage. Signsock covers for traffic lights are also available.

Hall Signs
Radar informative sign

In order to improve traffic safety by informing drivers of their actual speed, SpeedView radar signs from Hall Signs measures via approach-only tracking to eliminate false speeds generated by opposing traffic. Visible day or night to distances of over 500 feet, the sign employs LED technolog, and has no moving parts, for reduced maintenance and extended service life.

Alusuisse Composites
Sign material

Dibond is a substrate composed of two sheets of 0.012-inch aluminum with a thermoplastic core that is available from Alusuisse Composites for use in the highway-safety signage market. Sheets are pre-painted with a polyester finish applied to both sides and are suitable for use in sign and sign/stand combinations in work-zone areas. Used with portable sign frame model MGS48A from Middle Georgia Signs, 2-mm Dibond material passed necessary criteria outlined in the National Cooperative Research Program 350 protocol.

Lafarge Road Marking
Retroreflective thermoplastic

ColorLine Preformed Thermoplastic from Lafarge Road Marking is available in nine standard colors; custom color matching and CAD designed laser cutting allow creation of custom logs, symbols, legends, and messages for pavement marking. Retroreflectivity achieved through a surface glass system and in-mix beads has an estimated 3- to 4-year durability with frictional resistance in all climatic conditions.

Brady Signmark
Traffic control signs

Traffic, parking, and safety signs are available from Brady Signmark and are compliant with the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Standards that affect traffic control devices on both public and private property. All signs are reflective, with breakaway-style posts approved by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that correspond to rural low-volume and urban heavy-traffic area requirements. All signs are compliant with MUTCD specified size, shape, reflectivity, and color uniform standards.

Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd.
Bridge marker

Designed to recover from impacts including wide loads, grader wings, and combine headers, Iceworm bridge markers from Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd. are available in regulation sizes. Each high-visibility hazard marker is fastened to two spring-loaded posts to deflect blows and regain correct position, and can be used for new bridges or in retro-fitting existing bridges Mounting bracket fits left or right configurations and has two adjustments for delineator offsets.

3M
Roadway delineation system

To guide motorists through dangerous or confusing driving and work-zone conditions, 3M offers a new Lineal Delineation System that provides non-broken delineation of roadway geometry in permanent or temporary applications. Thin-gauge aluminum panels laminated with high-performance prismatic reflective sheeting are designed to mount to concrete jersey barriers, tunnel walls, or steel guardrails via high-strength adhesive or masonry screws. Reflective panels are hemmed for easy cleaning and to inhibit delamination, and can be mounted in staggered formation or end-to-end for continuous illumination.