Comparing Portable Message Boards and Portable Electronic Traffic Signals

Portable message boards and portable traffic signals are two different types of trailered equipment used in construction zones and for other temporary applications. They help drivers navigate work zones without the added stress of requesting utility locates and employing an installation team to set them up. All you have to do is transport them to your desired location, disconnect them from your transport vehicle and select the appropriate messaging or program you want to be displayed on your worksite. Simple right?

Let’s dive deeper into how they differ from one another.

 

Portable Message Boards

Portable message boards communicate text and graphics to road users in all weather conditions. The bright screens are visible up to 1000 feet away and often come pre-programmed with over 250 text messages for you to select from. For easy set-up, each message board comes fully equipped with four leveling jacks for stability while the trailer is deployed. The best part? Newer models feature remote programming systems so you can change the messaging in real-time from the comfort of your office.

Portable Electronic Traffic Signs/ Signals

Portable traffic signals offer safe and simple lane control for short-term and long-term applications. Whether it’s to control traffic at a music festival or to manage a lane closure during bridge construction, portable traffic signals are versatile units that can be set up in less than 15 minutes. Each unit utilities LED technology and solar arrays to provide uninterrupted traffic control in all weather conditions with little to no maintenance.

 

A portable message board is being delivered to our clients. 

When to Use Portable Message Boards vs. Portable Electronic Traffic Signs

Deciding which piece of trailered equipment to use comes down to its application. Message boards offer advanced warnings to drivers regarding road conditions and work zones, whereas portable traffic signals provide an immediate service of safely controlling traffic.

While both are used in temporary applications, they serve very different purposes on the worksite. If you are still unsure of which to use, give us a call to talk to one of our traffic safety professionals. They will offer recommendations specific to your worksite and answer any questions you may have.