Variable Message Signs To Guide Drivers
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi) unveiled yesterday the first of four "variable" message signs that will guide drivers to alternate routes in the event of traffic congestion. The new sign was erected at the eastern border of La Sabana park, near the León Cortés statue on the main entrance to Paseo Colón.

The other three signs will be erected in La Uruca near the Cosevi offices, the intersection known as the antigua de La Gallito and on route 32, near the offices of La República.

The new signs form part of a transportation system to move traffic into and from the San José core more efficiently that includes the erection of 325 new "intelligent" traffic signals. The first of the intelligent traffic signals are already working on Avenida 10, replacing the old traffic lights.

The variable signs will used to inform drivers of problems ahead, suggesting an alternate route to ease congestion. The sign which is immediately south of the Agencia Datsun (Nissan dealership) can guide traffic from the autopista General Cañas, Pavas and Rohromoser.

"This is a way we can strengthen road safety by providing drivers with useful information", said Viviana Martín, vice-minister of Transportes (transport).

According to Mario Chavarría, of the Dirección General de Ingeniería de Tránsito of the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT), the variable sign has fifteen preset messages that is changed by means of a portable computer on site.

Chavarría added that as progress on the signalization system moves forward, the signs will be integrated to a central computer system or control room that will in addition to informing drivers on road condition will also include information messages.

Chavarría used an example of an accident in downtown San José that is causing congestion. The new signs would warn drivers of the congestion and ask drivers not to enter the downtown core, using and alternate route to move traffic flow.

The signs will be working completely once all the 325 intelligent traffic signals are installed, backed up by six video cameras accessed by the control room, which will then send the message to drivers.

"From the control room each of the four variable message signs can be programmed to display a different message, depending on road conditions", said Chavarría.

Each screen is 5 metres wide and 1.2 metres in height and costs the Cosevi us$40.000 and form part of a contract with Semáforos Mexicanos.

The Ministra de Transportes, Karla González said that the system should be completed by not later than October.