Layout Study of the Variable Message Signs on Urban Road Networks

Information induction is an effective way to alleviate traffic congestion. Variable message sign (VMS) is an important traffic information induction tool because of its low installation cost, simple technology, and good induction effect. However, there is a lack of good theoretical support for the VMS layout of large-scale urban road networks. To fill this gap, the authors propose a practical method to lay out the VMSs based on a genetic algorithm. This method remains applicable even with insufficient traffic flow data because this research objective focuses on road sections rather than vehicles on the road network. The aim is to maximize the induction effect of VMS from these three indicators: the urban road class; the congestion level; and the influence degree of VMS. The authors use the proposed algorithm into large real road network of the city, Cangzhou to lay out the VMSs, which verifies the proposed algorithm.