In Russia, Intelligent Road Signs Help Steer Traffic
New AI-enabled variable message signs will feed real-time traffic updates to drivers and improve control over road congestion
Real-Time Traffic Awareness
In Vladivostok, new variable message signs will be installed along the De-Friz — Sedanka — Patrokl bypass road by the end of the year. City officials say the electronic boards are designed to alert drivers to accidents, construction work, and severe weather. Unlike static road signs, these digital displays update automatically based on current conditions.
Integrated into Vladivostok’s intelligent transport system, the signs work alongside sensors and controllers that connect traffic lights into a unified, automated traffic management network. The system allows for centralized flow control and immediate communication with drivers on high‑load segments of the road network.
Expanding the System
Vladivostok already has one active element of this ecosystem — a dynamic lane‑direction sign at the intersection of Semyonovskaya and Aleutskaya streets. It adjusts lane configurations depending on the time of day to boost throughput during rush hours.
Next year, the city plans to scale the system. Road weather stations will be deployed to measure pavement conditions, visibility, and other environmental factors. These data will generate on‑screen alerts and improve roadway safety.
Officials note that phased adoption of intelligent transport technologies helps improve traffic controllability without requiring large‑scale construction or widening of existing roads.
