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ELECTRONIC SIGNS

Autobahn electronic signs

(Above: Autobahn electronic signs showing 120 km/h speed limit.)

German traffic engineers have devised sophisticated systems to manage traffic along many Autobahns and urban expressways. These computerized traffic control systems consist of surveillance cameras, speed monitors, and special electronic variable message signs. Studies have shown that these systems have reduced accidents by as much as 30% within three years of being installed. The first such system was tested on the A8/A81 near Stuttgart in the early '80s and has since been expanded to over 3,200 km of Autobahns and expressways, especially those subject to frequent congestion or dangerous weather conditions.

There are two varieties of electronic signs in use: those that display text messages (similar to those in use in the US) and those that display facsimiles of official traffic signs. The latter allows authorities to use the standard pictogram signs to warn of downstream conditions or to implement dynamic regulations. For instance, officials may implement or reduce speed limits to respond to traffic, road, or weather conditions. In many areas, these speed limits can be adjusted per lane. You will find that the speed limits indicated by these signs are generally very appropriate for the prevailing traffic or weather conditions. It should be noted that the speed limits and other regulations shown are enforceable, and many areas are equipped with photo radar which is tied-in to the system (and thus is aware of the current speed limit). The signs can also indicate lane closures using the standard international lane control symbols. Below are some examples of the most common symbols used on these electronic signs; they have the same meaning as their static siblings:

Danger!
Danger
Congestion ahead
Congestion
ahead
Road work ahead
Road work
ahead
Ice/snow
Watch for
ice/snow
Slippery road
Slippery road
         
Speed limit
Speed limit
No passing for trucks
No passing for
vehicles over 3.5t

End of speed
limit
End of all restrictions
End of all
restrictions

 

Autobahn electronic signs

(Above: Autobahn electronic signs showing 100 km/h speed limit and construction ahead.)

When placed over each lane, the restriction shown applies to the lane under the sign. In the example below, the speed limit in the left lane (Lane A) would be 120 km/h, 100 km/h in the center lane (Lane B), and 80 km/h in the right lane (Lane C).

Gray gantrySpeed limit 120Gray gantryRoad work aheadGray gantrySpeed limit 100Gray gantryRoad work aheadGray gantrySpeed limit 80Gray gantry
LANE A   LANE B   LANE C

 

Lane closures are indicated with the following symbols:

Green down arrow Lane open (used only when adjacent lanes are closed)
Yellow slant left arrow   Yellow slant right arrow
Lane closed ahead- Merge in the direction indicated!
Red X Lane closed- You may not drive in a lane under this signal.

 

Some words you may see displayed on electronic signs include:

 

German lane control signalsThe primary intent of these systems is to gradually and systematically reduce the speed of traffic approaching areas with congestion or other hazardous conditions. Therefore, it is important to obey any speed limits you see indicated by these signs. These traffic systems also have equipment to detect and automatically warn of fog, rain, and ice. Lane closures, indicated by the lane control signal symbols above, are used in many areas to help reduce congestion in interchange areas. For instance, if there is significantly heavier traffic merging from one Autobahn onto another, a lane may be closed on the more lightly used Autobahn to provide an unobstructed lane to allow allow the heavy traffic to merge more easily.

(Right: Lane control signals showing left lane closed ahead.)

Sign 467-20Many times, these traffic systems will also provide recommended bypass route guidance to drivers to help avoid congestion. These alternate routes are marked by signs displaying the standard bypass routing arrow symbol (left.) Along with the arrow, which points in the recommended direction to follow, will be the destination city, route number, or vehicle types (i.e. trucks) that the suggested alternate route applies to. For instance, if the arrow below was shown with "Stuttgart", then traffic headed toward Stuttgart is being advised to take the next exit. Once you are on one of these alternate routes, continue to follow the orange colored arrow signs until you have reached your destination or have returned to the original route. (Oftentimes, most of the alternate route is marked by permanent static signs, but an electronic or changeable sign is used at the initial "decision point".)

Recently, in an attempt to help improve traffic flow, traffic is now being permitted to use the emergency shoulder as a traffic lane during congested periods along some sections of Autobahn. Lane control signals or other signs indicate when this is permissible.


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NOTICE: The information contained on this site is provided "as-is". Although I make reasonable efforts to keep it updated, I make no guarantee regarding accuracy and assume no responsibility for inconveniences or other issues arising from its use. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.