KC Scout activates digital color message boards

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The KC Scout Traffic Management Center began activating new color digital message boards on Monday, June 28. These boards feature digital travel time messages utilizing full color interstate and highway shields. Nationwide studies have shown that the color interstate and highway shields are easier for drivers to read as they travel along the freeway. As replacements of several KC Scout dynamic message boards were already scheduled for the spring 2021, KC Scout used this opportunity to install the upgraded boards. 

"Thanks to new advancements in technology, these higher definition and more energy efficient message boards are available at the same cost as the original sign boards that were installed 20 years ago,” explains KC Scout’s Transportation Project Manager Mark Sommerhauser.

“After years of 24/7 usage, the existing signs were overheating once the air temperature neared 90 degrees. These dynamic message sign board failures were unacceptable since motorists depend on these boards to accurately warn them of incidents ahead on the freeway,” Sommerhauser explains.

These types of message boards have been used to warn motorists of incidents and overall congestion along freeways in the Kansas City region over the past 20 years. The color interstate and highway shields will be used at the following locations:

  • Westbound I-70 near U.S. 40 and Blue Ridge Blvd., Blue Ridge Cutoff, and Jackson Ave.
  • Eastbound I-70 near Brooklyn Ave., Manchester Trafficway, and Lee’s Summit Rd.
  • Westbound I-435 near Holmes Rd.
  • Eastbound I-435 near I-470 and I-49.
  • Southbound I-435 near I-70.
  • Southbound MO Route 291 near 39th St.

KC Scout is Kansas City's bi-state traffic management system, designed to lessen traffic jams by improving rush-hour speeds, increasing safety by decreasing the number of rush-hour accidents and improving emergency response to traffic situations by clearing incidents quickly and safely. 

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