The research conducted under this project developed performance requirements for arrow panels operating under various conditions, and developed a practical, reliable means for checking arrow panel visibility, as perceived by the motorist.

Advance warning arrow panels are generally accepted as one of the most effective devices available where temporary activities or events necessitate changes in traffic patterns. These devices are used to guide traffic in construction and maintenance areas and to provide supplemental information to motorists for incident management purposes. Timely detection and recognition of arrow panels is essential to assure proper motorist action. Commercially available arrow panels using different bulbs and power systems provide varied levels of visibility because there are no performance standards. This variation is most evident in the solar-powered arrow panels, which offer operational advantages but may not provide visibility levels comparable to generator or line-powered units. To ensure that arrow panels provide adequate visibility, performance requirements based on the critical visibility factors are needed. In addition, practical procedures that can quickly and easily evaluate in-service performance of arrow panels are also needed.

The contractor's final report is available from the NCHRP on request. NCHRP Research Results Digest 259 provides a summary of the project.