HOUSTON – The Texas Department of Transportation is experiencing technical difficulty with dynamic message signs across the city. The signs are overhead electronic boards that display roadway status information to motorists.
Officials at Houston Transtar, the Houston area traffic management and transportation control center, is trouble-shooting the connectivity and overall communication between the boards which serve as traffic control devices that alert motorists about roadway incidents, congestion, and work zones that may impact their commute. The valuable information provided allows motorists to make informed decisions and consider alternate routes in real-time.
As electrical power is restored, old messages are being displayed and in some cases the boards are not properly responding to the programming application. For example, one sign states that the Lynchburg Ferry is closed when it is currently operating as usual.
TxDOT and Transtar hope to have the boards corrected and back online as soon as possible. An update will be provided. Motorists may still access roadway information at www.drivetexas.org and Houston TranStar.