The Volpe Center assisted Shenandoah National Park in its effort to upgrade its traveler information systems (TIS) by adding the capability to display road conditions and other park statuses on variable message signs along routes leading into the park. The aim of the proposed system is to address a longstanding and critical traveler information gap that sometimes results in visitor frustration due to weather-related road closures and entrance gate congestion. Weather conditions on the park's principle road, Skyline Drive, are often much more severe than in surrounding areas because much of the park is at significantly higher elevations than its surroundings. On weekend days, when fall foliage peaks (generally mid-to-late October), the park can experience significant congestion at its northern entrances and travelers are often unaware of alternative routes they could have used. Volpe proposed various TIS enhancements including information sharing with the Virginia Department of Transportation, purchase of variable message signs, and changes to NPS procedures.

Final Report, September 2011
Shenandoah National Park Traveler Information Coordination Study (PDF, 3.6MB)