Variable message signs inform drivers about changes on the highway A1 Vilnius-Kaunas
49 new speed control and warning systems (hereinafter – VMS), which inform drivers about traffic conditions, regulate the permissible speed, notify of possible obstacles on the road, are already functioning in the section between Vilnius and Kaunas of the highway A1 Vilnius-Kaunas-Klaipėda. The State Enterprise Lithuanian Road Administration (hereinafter – the Road Administration) plans to fully take over the equipment from the contractor by March of this year.
The VMS systems consist of electronic variable message signs, weather sensors that record the condition of the road surface, temperature, wind strength and other parameters, and traffic flow analysis equipment, that calculates traffic flows at specific road locations.
“Modern electronic information systems are an essential component of the modern road. When traffic conditions change, these systems help drivers to drive at a safe speed, to anticipate possible traffic disturbances, in order not only to ensure safe road communication but also to save travel time. At the same time, this installation of speed control and warning systems is an important part of the plan for the reconstruction of the highway A1 Vilnius – Kaunas – Klaipėda in accordance with the requirements for motorways”, – emphasizes Remigijus Lipkevičius, Director of the Road Administration.
The VMSs function as video screens. They display speed limiting and warning road signs, which drivers must abide by. As stated in the Road Traffic Rules, if the requirements of the road sign and of the road markings differ, the road sign must be followed. When there are variable message signs installed on the road, then the variable message signs must be followed. Of cause, in all cases, drivers must themselves responsibly assess the traffic conditions and drive at a safe speed, which may be lower than the maximum permitted speed.
Road users are also provided with the real time information about the changed driving conditions. The system collects data from different sensors installed on the road and “decides”, which road sign to display on the screen of VMS. In this way, the road users are promptly informed about traffic conditions that are relevant at the time. The Road Administration will also warn the road users, with the help of VMSs, about the work being done on the road, about traffic accidents or other obstacles.
In addition to the project on the highway A1 Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda, in this year, the contract for the installation of 25 speed control and warning systems on the highway A5 Kaunas–Marijampolė– Suwałki of national importance, in the section between Kaunas and Marijampolė, is also being performed.
At present, together with the aforementioned systems, 75 speed control and warning systems are already installed in Lithuania. The first such speed control and warning system in Lithuania was installed in 2014, at Jakai roundabout in Klaipėda.